Dangote alleged that powerful groups benefiting from Nigeria’s previous petrol subsidy regime are behind efforts to sabotage the 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery.
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man and President of Dangote Group, says he is still battling entrenched interests fighting the survival of his $20bn refinery project in Lekki, Lagos.
Speaking at an investor forum in Lagos, Dangote alleged that powerful groups benefiting from Nigeria’s previous petrol subsidy regime are behind efforts to sabotage the 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery. “We’re fighting, and the fight is not yet finished… but I am 100 per cent sure I will win,” he said.
Dangote claimed these groups were resisting reforms by the Bola Tinubu administration and obstructing crude supply to his refinery. He also accused international oil companies and regulators of issuing import licenses for substandard fuel to undermine local refining.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria expressed full support, while PETROAN urged peaceful competition in the downstream sector.
Despite setbacks, Dangote vowed to reach full capacity and lower pump prices, insisting the refinery was essential for Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.