Dangote Refinery: A shame to past Nigerian Governments, says Senate President
NEWS DIGEST – The Senate leadership has hailed the 650,000 barrels-per-day (bpd) Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a marvel of modern engineering while criticizing past Nigerian governments for their failure to accomplish similar feats.
During a tour of the refinery in Lagos, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, leading the 10th Senate leadership, praised Alhaji Aliko Dangote for achieving what previous administrations could not. He described the refinery as the “9th wonder of the world” and denounced skeptics as “dream killers.”
“The completion of this refinery has silenced its detractors and put past governments to shame,” Akpabio stated. He assured that the National Assembly would protect this vital project, emphasizing its importance to Nigeria and Africa.
Commending Dangote for the swift construction of the largest single-train refinery in the world, Akpabio noted that even the residence of Nigeria’s Vice-President took 14 years to complete. “They told us in Abuja that Dangote Refinery was a farce, but we have seen for ourselves that it is alive and running. Dangote has achieved what nations and continents could not. This accomplishment is highly commendable,” he said.
Akpabio highlighted the inability of Nigeria’s state-owned refineries in Kaduna, Port Harcourt, and Warri to operate successfully, contrasting them with Dangote’s achievement. “Dangote has proven that it is possible to dream and achieve in Nigeria,” he added.
He further alluded to the shame that Nigeria’s oil discovery in 1958 brought due to the inability to refine its oil, causing economic hardships and environmental issues like the Belgian government’s ban on exporting dirty fuel to West African countries.
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Akpabio, accompanied by other senators including Deputy Senate President, Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, and others, pledged that the Senate and National Assembly would enact robust legislation to protect such projects. “We endorse this major project and will advocate for policies that support similar initiatives,” Akpabio affirmed.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, expressed pride in the refinery being located in Lagos. “Dangote has placed Lagos and Nigeria on the world map of excellence. With investments like this, we are on the path to achieving a projected GDP of $1 trillion by 2030,” Sanwo-Olu said.
In his address, Alhaji Aliko Dangote expressed gratitude for the Senate’s visit, noting it came at an opportune time as the refinery is set to bring its various units on stream. He detailed the refinery’s capacity to produce high-quality petroleum products meeting international standards and its potential to create thousands of jobs and boost Nigeria’s economic growth.
“The refinery will satisfy domestic demand and export about 50% of its production, generating foreign exchange for the country. It will also stimulate growth in adjacent sectors such as logistics, shipping, engineering, and services,” Dangote explained.
He emphasized the refinery’s role in providing energy security and its anticipated listing on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), offering Nigerians a stake in its financial returns. “Our Group remains at the forefront of job creation and economic contributions in Nigeria,” he said.
Dangote called for legislative support, likening the refinery’s potential impact to India’s Jamnagar and Saudi Arabia’s Jubail Industrial City. He praised the Legislature’s efforts in creating a conducive business environment and urged continued support to ensure the refinery’s benefits are secured.
