Atiku noted in a post on X that Dangote showed tenacity and “can do spirit” after announcing his refinery has commenced petrol production
By Kehinde Okeowo
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has hailed founder of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, saying he showed tenacity and “can do spirit”.
He praised Dangote via a post he shared on his X page, while commending him for ensuring that his refinery commenced production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol.
The business mogul had earlier in the week announced that Dangote Refinery has started production of petrol, adding that the company is currently working with Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on how to distribute the product.
Reacting to the development, Atiku said Dangote has shown “what corporate Nigeria can do to recover the country’s economy and make it strong”.
Speaking via his verified social media page, the former Vice President tweeted, ”Let me congratulate and appreciate the efforts of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, @AlikoDangote, as the Dangote Refinery begins production of PMS.
“It demonstrates his tenacity and ‘can do’ spirit and his belief in his fatherland.
“This remarkable accomplishment is beyond a demonstration of the business acumen of just one man.
“It is also a manifestation of what corporate Nigeria can do to recover the Nigerian economy and make it strong, dynamic, and resilient.
“This resonates with my dream of having an enlarged private sector presence in the Nigerian economy.
“I am an unrepentant advocate for a strong and visible participation of the private sector in strategic sectors of the economy, either alone or in partnership with the state.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, has assured that petrol will be available across the country by the weekend.
He made this known via a video he shared on his X handle on Thursday, while addressing the prevailing issues of pricing and scarcity of petrol.
Speaking in the now-viral clip, the minister said prices may differ across different locations, adding that once the supply of products becomes consistent nationwide, prices are expected to stabilize.
He also noted that the oil sector is deregulated and, therefore, the government is not responsible for fixing prices.
“What is important is for us to convey to Nigerians that the President is empathetic about what is going on in the country. He is concerned about the hardship of Nigerians, and that was why he directed the Vice President to call this meeting, for us to reflect on what is going on in the country.
“What is important is that products are available in the country, and we believe that between now and the weekend, there will be availability of products across the length and breadth of the country. The price could be high in some areas, much higher in other locations, and in some locations, much more than you know in other areas.
“But we believe that by the time there is availability of products across the country, the price itself will stabilize” Lokpobiri said.
