Dangote Refinery: What Buhari Told Dangote When He Heard He Wanted To Resign

Aliko Dangote Refinery Commission

Aliko Danagote, the president of the Dangote Group, claimed on Monday that President Muhammadu Buhari prevented him from abandoning the construction of the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals, the largest single-train refinery in the world.

Dangote stated during the project's launching in Lagos that Buhari's consistent support and encouragement over the last eight years had been a major source of inspiration and strength.

Dangote claimed that despite obstacles, the desire to enter the petroleum industry dates back twenty years.

However, he expressed happiness that the project had finally been completed.

"Mr. President, Distinguished Guests, the journey to this event was long and arduous. It could not have been possible without the support and collaboration of many parties and individuals.

"So, permit me Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests to recognize and appreciate just a few.

"Let me start with Your Excellency, Mr. President. Your sustained support and encouragement over the past eight years have been, for me personally, a source of great motivation and strength. At times when I felt like giving up, your confidence and quiet words of assurance have made the difference. Mr President, I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Dangote also expressed gratitude to the leadership of Lagos State, from the administration of President-elect Bola Tinubu, who presided over Lagos from 1999 to 2007, to that of current Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

"From the tenure of the President Elect, H.E Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who established the Lekki Free Zone, to the incumbent governor H.E Babajide Sanwolu who has been most proactive in ensuring the successful execution of this project, the State government has indeed demonstrated great commitment to promoting an investment friendly climate, which made it possible for Our Group to invest over $30billion in various industries in the state economy over that period.

"I would like to express our deep appreciation and gratitude to the Lagos State government and its successive governors for the resolute facilitation of this enabling business environment."

The presidents of Togo, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, Ghana's Nana Akufo-Addo, Senegal's Macky Sall, the Niger Republic's Mohamed Bazoum, and a number of ambassadors are among the dignitaries present at the event.

With the start-up of the refinery, Nigeria might save up to $10 billion in foreign currency and produce another $10 billion in exports.

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