Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery Faces Threats from Vested Interests, Says Rabiu Kwankwaso
Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has expressed concern over the “unnecessary fuss” created by vested interests, which he believes could damage investor confidence in Nigeria’s economy. This comes as the country’s industrialist, Aliko Dangote, faces off with the Federal Government’s authorities over the operations of his 650,000 bpd refinery.
Kwankwaso, who described the refinery as a crucial asset for Nigeria’s energy needs and economic stability, emphasized the importance of protecting the asset from any threats that could undermine its operations. He urged Nigerians and the government to rally around the refinery, warning that the failure of such a monumental project would be detrimental to the nation’s economic progress.
The Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party in the 2023 general elections also called on the government to demonstrate fairness and confidence in both domestic and foreign critical investments. He stressed that the refinery is too vital to fail, considering its crucial role in national welfare.
This sentiment was echoed by other presidential candidates in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, who described the unfolding conflict between Dangote Industries and some government agencies as deeply troubling. They lamented that the saga would deter vital foreign direct investment and hurt the economy.
The Dangote refinery, which is expected to be one of the largest in the world, has been touted as a game-changer for Nigeria’s energy sector. Its failure would not only impact the country’s economy but also its energy security.
As the controversy surrounding the refinery continues to unfold, Kwankwaso’s call to action has sparked a renewed sense of urgency among Nigerians and international investors alike. The fate of the Dangote refinery remains a pressing concern, and its success is crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth and stability.