Obasanjo also noted that if Dangote Refinery goes well, both Nigerians and non-Nigerians will be encouraged to invest in the country
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former president, Olusegun Obasanjo has explained why the $20 billion Dangote Refinery is being frustrated.
According to him, cabals in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector who are benefiting from refined petrol importation are the ones behind the company’s troubles.
Obasanjo made this known during a recent interview with the Financial Times, amid allegations by the Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed that Dangote Refinery has monopolistic tendencies and produces substandard product.
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Following Ahmed’s accusations and the public outcry they elicited, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to sell crude to the organization and other local refineries in Naira.
However, speaking on the travails of the Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, Obasanjo said if his Refinery goes well, both Nigerians and non-Nigerians will be encouraged to invest in the country.
He noted that those “selling refined products for Nigeria” feel that they will lose the lucrative opportunities.
“Aliko’s investment in a refinery, if it goes well, should encourage both Nigerians and non-Nigerians to invest in Nigeria.
“If those who are selling or supplying refined products for Nigeria feel that they will lose the lucrative opportunity, they will also make every effort to get him frustrated,” Obasanjo stated.
