By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Aliko Dangote has got his wish for the Nigerian Navy to protect his namesake refinery in Lagos which is worth $15 billion and is expected to end fuel imports and produce surplus to sell overseas for hard currency.
He made the request to the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo, who replied: “We are glad to collaborate with the Dangote Group. We will look into the possibility of building a Forward Operating Base [at the refinery].”
Gambo said the navy has capability to build sea going vessels and other equipment at its shipyard at Wilmot Point and a partnership between the navy and the Dangote Group should be explored in this area.
“We are also ready to train your technicians and take on surveying services for the group,” Gambo assured him.
Bad folks may be out to sabotage the plant, Dangote reasons, but says he is wary of even supposedly good intentions that can turn into nightmares, such as the offer from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to acquire a 20 per cent stake.
Experts warn him not to allow the NNPC near the facility because that will come will corruption that will mess things up. They say the NNPC should leave Dangote alone and revive Nigeria’s four refineries with its $4b stake in Dangote’s plant.
Exploration of partnership
Vanguard reported that Dangote visited Gambo at Naval Headquarters in Lagos and told him that a permanent naval unit will help protect the refinery.
His words: “I am here first to congratulate you on your appointment and to seek for partnership between the Dangote Group and the Nigerian Navy in the protection of the maritime space and ensuring peace for our nation.
“In this regard, I want to bring up the issue of the setting up of a permanent naval protection base in our refinery which is the largest production base with 650,000 barrels per day capacity. There will be a lot of movements and economic activity.
“I am here to look for partnership between Dangote Group and the Nigerian Navy. There are a lot of things we can do between the Navy and the Dangote Group. I think we can be two hands so we can clap together.
“It means that you do your own bit, we will also do our own best to support you and make sure you do your job. It doesn’t really mean only what affects us, No! But also what affects the navy in terms of your own operation, maybe your facilities.
“My other main point is the setting up of the permanent naval protection base at our refinery.
“As you are aware, we are building the largest single refinery with 650,000 barrels/day which means we can actually process one-third of Nigeria’s production, and that is quite a lot of activities.
“When you look at the services of the refinery, we are going to be the largest single line of refinery in the world. That’s a very huge operation.
“There will be a lot of movement of ships in and out and there is no way we can succeed on what we want to do without the help of the Nigerian Navy.
“Definitely, we have to partner. You will be our major partner because there must be peace, there must be security and protection before we can even operate.
“So, the development of a permanent naval location is very key for us for our own operation because our refinery is sandwiched between the ocean and the lagoon.”
Dangote said the navy, a statutory military force responsible for tackling sea criminality, is very vital to the refinery because “we have 125 kilometres of sub-sea crude pipelines. We will be producing 3 million urea by-product for export.
“Our port is going to start operations next year. It will be as busy as Apapa Port. We will need helicopter support which the navy is specialised in. We are aware of the need to support the navy in tackling some of its social challenges.
“We are ready to partner in barracks support and other areas as part of our contribution as a corporate citizen of Nigeria.”
Problem of sea piracy
In response, Gambo said: “We are glad to collaborate with the Dangote Group. We will look into the possibility of building a Forward Operating Base.
“The need for Dangote Group to partner with us cannot be over emphasised as most of his investments are sea borne. Let me assure you that we (Nigerian Navy) will continue to deliver the services necessary to make our maritime environment secure.
“From the headquarters, we respond through our mobile patrol teams at sea or through our operational commands.
“With our efforts and presence at sea, most of these crimes are perpetrated outside our exclusive economic zones which is 200 nautical miles outside our shores.
“One of the most teething challenges we have is the issue of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. Sometimes, the issue of maritime security, in particular the issue of piracy is hefty for the international community.
“However, some of the piracy that takes place outside the shores of this country are perpetrated by Nigerians, particularly from the Niger Delta, and some of the victims are brought back to this country.”
