Lagos, Nigeria—On a recent courtesy visit to the Dangote Refinery in Lagos, the immediate past President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, described Aliko Dangote, the President and CEO of Dangote Group, as a “freedom economic fighter.” The visit, which included several NBA delegates, underscored the association’s strong support for the refinery, a crucial project for Nigeria’s economic future.
During the visit, Maikyau expressed his admiration for the refinery’s scale and purpose, describing its establishment as a nationalistic and patriotic endeavour. He urged the Federal Government and the Nigerian populace to support the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, emphasising that its success could end fuel scarcity and the associated perennial queues at filling stations nationwide.
“What I have seen today gladdens my heart, but simultaneously, my heart is bleeding because of the neglect and opposition that such a laudable effort is facing. It is shameful, but as I mentioned to the President of the group, his continued steadfastness and resilience despite the opposition show hope for this country.
NBA Delegation Visits Dangote Refinery, Hails Aliko Dangote as a ‘Freedom Economic Fighter’
I would describe Aliko Dangote as a freedom fighter and an economic warrior. There is no one more honourable or patriotic than Dangote. He has proven this through his actions, not just words. This isn’t about what someone might tell you; we have witnessed his enormous investments in this country,” Maikyau stated.
He further called on the Federal Government to fully implement President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive on supplying crude oil to the Dangote Refinery and other modular refineries. Maikyau criticised the opposition from local fuel importers, who he said have stifled Nigeria’s economy by keeping it dependent on imported refined petroleum products despite being a leading crude oil producer.
“I want to use this opportunity to call on the Federal Government to pay deliberate and conscious attention to what Dangote is doing. Anyone serious about turning around the fortunes of this country cannot ignore Dangote’s efforts.
This is a people-centred investment that must be supported. We need this type of investment, and wherever such investments exist in this country, we urge the government to create an enabling environment for the people’s benefit.
If we establish a supportive environment for this refinery to operate, we will eliminate the queues on our streets and resolve the difficulties associated with the scarcity of petroleum products. However, we will need the government to demonstrate a willingness to support this crucial venture,” Maikyau added.
The NBA expressed disappointment that such a significant project was encountering strong resistance from entrenched interests within the fuel importation sector. Maikyau noted the irony that the refinery, capable of transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape, had to import crude oil abroad while exporting refined products due to local opposition.
“It is disgraceful that with a refinery of this capacity, where 86 tankers can be loaded at once, we still face fuel shortages,” he lamented.
Vice Chairman of the NBA’s Epe Branch, Ivo Takor, who also spoke during the visit, praised the refinery’s location in the Ibeju-Lekki-Epe axis. He highlighted the project’s potential to resolve Nigeria’s long-standing issue of fuel importation, create jobs, boost foreign exchange, and save the country money currently spent on fuel subsidies.
Former NBA President Yakubu Maikyau Hails Aliko Dangote as a ‘Freedom Economic Fighter’ During Visit to Landmark Refinery in Lagos
“The refinery is something every Nigerian should be proud of. It is a project that will move Nigeria away from its long-standing issue of fuel importation, which comes with its own set of problems. Currently, we are dealing with fuel scarcity and long queues. I believe that these challenges will be resolved once this refinery is fully operational,” Takor said.
Despite these significant benefits, Takor pointed out that entrenched cartels are working against the refinery’s full operation by withholding crude oil supplies. He emphasised the need for strict monitoring and compliance with the president’s directive to supply crude oil to the refinery, warning that non-compliance constitutes sabotage against the nation.
Vice President (Oil & Gas) of Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, briefed the delegates. He stated that the refinery was established primarily to source and refine local crude oil for the benefit of Nigeria. He explained that the refinery had been forced to import crude from other countries while exporting refined products abroad due to insufficient crude oil supplies from Nigeria.
Aliko Dangote, through his Dangote Refinery and Fertiliser Plant, has significantly contributed to the employment of Nigerian youths and the professional training of engineers and scientists. Over 37,000 engineers have been trained by the Dangote Refineries, with most of the employed workforce at the refinery and fertiliser plant being young professionals averaging 28 years of age.
This impressive feat underscores Dangote’s commitment to not only advancing Nigeria’s industrial capacity but also empowering the next generation of professionals who are crucial to the nation’s economic future.
The impact of Dangote’s initiatives extends beyond mere employment; it is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s human capital. The rigorous training programs provided by the refinery have equipped young engineers with the skills and expertise needed to operate and manage one of the largest industrial complexes in Africa.
These programs ensure that the Nigerian workforce is at the forefront of technological and industrial advancements, fostering a pool of highly skilled professionals capable of driving the country’s economic growth. As a result, the Dangote Refinery and Fertiliser Plant have become not just centres of production but also hubs for the development of Nigeria’s future leaders in engineering and science.
As the visit concluded, the NBA’s message was clear: The Dangote Refinery is not just a business venture; it is a national asset that deserves full support from the government and the people of Nigeria.
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