Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Refinery, has praised the performance of Nigerian engineers involved in the construction of the company’s 650,000-barrel-per-day plant. According to Dangote, the Nigerian engineers outperformed their Indian counterparts in building the $20 billion refinery. This assertion was made during a recent media briefing, where Dangote highlighted his company’s contribution to job creation in Nigeria.
The exceptional performance of the Nigerian engineers has led to new opportunities, with 18 of them being recruited as expatriates in Qatar. Dangote emphasized the importance of job creation, stating that it is a major challenge for his company. He expressed pride in the fact that Nigerian engineers played a crucial role in the refinery’s construction, demonstrating their capabilities and potential.
Dangote also announced that a majority of the engineers working on the company’s new fertiliser plant will be Nigerians. This move is expected to create more job opportunities for local engineers and contribute to the country’s economic growth. The fertiliser plant is a significant project, and the involvement of Nigerian engineers underscores Dangote’s commitment to supporting local talent.
The comments come amid a dispute between Dangote Refinery and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) over alleged anti-labour practices. NUPENG had accused the company of engaging drivers for its Compressed Natural Gas trucks without following proper labour procedures. However, Dangote Group has denied these allegations, emphasizing its commitment to fair labour practices.
Dangote Refinery began rolling out fuel products in September last year and has since announced the launch of its petrol distribution scheme. The company’s venture into fuel distribution has been met with some resistance from stakeholders in the downstream oil sector, but Dangote remains committed to the initiative, citing its potential benefits for the country.
The success of Nigerian engineers in the construction of Dangote Refinery’s plant is a significant achievement, highlighting the capabilities of local talent in the industry. As the company moves forward with new projects, including the fertiliser plant, it is likely to continue creating job opportunities and driving economic growth in Nigeria.
