Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has urged the Nigerian government to fully support the Dangote Refinery amid ongoing conflicts between Dangote Industries and government agencies.
In a series of tweets, Obi emphasized that the refinery is a crucial economic asset that should not be hindered by political or personal disputes.
Obi highlighted the refinery’s potential to generate $21 billion in annual revenue and create over 100,000 jobs, stressing its importance in addressing Nigeria’s fuel crisis, boosting foreign exchange earnings, and fostering economic growth. He pointed out Aliko Dangote’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s industrial sector and called for the government to recognize and support his efforts.
He expressed concern over Nigeria’s declining economic performance since 2015, noting that the country had the largest economy in Africa in 2014 but has since fallen to the fourth position. Obi called for urgent actions to prevent further economic collapse and to move the economy from consumption to production.
Obi criticized the current leadership for focusing on personal luxuries rather than addressing the country’s economic challenges and urged leaders to commit to inclusive and sustainable growth to alleviate the widespread poverty, unemployment, and food inflation burdening Nigerians.
Obi’s call comes as Dangote faces multiple challenges with government authorities and local crude oil producers, with expectations for the refinery to commence petrol production soon.