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The Nigerian Democracy Working Group has issued a warning about an alleged potential plot to sabotage the Dangote refinery, urging immediate action to prevent such efforts. The group cautioned that any successful sabotage would deter other investors from considering Nigeria as a viable investment destination.
The group, which includes a coalition of civil society organizations, academics, democracy activists, patriotic citizens, and entrepreneurs from all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, expressed their concerns in a statement. The statement, signed by the convener, Dr. Vincent Okpara Innocent, and co-convener, Dr. Idris Aliyu Mohammed, condemned the alleged conspiracy to undermine the massive investment in the Dangote refinery by certain individuals acting against Nigeria’s best interests.
“This development poses a significant threat to the Nigerian economy and could discourage potential investors, undermining the efforts of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to attract foreign investment. It is a direct attempt to sabotage the government’s initiatives to foster economic growth,” the statement declared.
The group lauded the establishment of the Dangote refinery as a groundbreaking and patriotic endeavor. They described it as a technological marvel of global standards, reflecting Aliko Dangote’s dedication to national progress and his commitment to revolutionizing Nigeria’s petroleum sector for the benefit of all citizens.
According to the group, the Dangote refinery project is set to enhance economic activities in the petroleum sector, significantly boosting Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and increasing revenue across various socio-economic levels, thereby benefiting the entire nation.
The Nigerian Democracy Working Group emphasized that the refinery project is not just a milestone for Nigeria’s petroleum industry but also a critical step in combating systemic corruption within the sector. They stressed that this development is welcomed by all patriotic Nigerians, regardless of regional, religious, or ethnic affiliations.
“We call on His Excellency, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the relevant Nigerian authorities to handle the matter of the Dangote refinery with utmost care and to support other initiatives aimed at alleviating the collective suffering of Nigerians,” the statement urged.
The group underscored that the Dangote refinery is a national asset, transcending regional boundaries. They called for a united effort to support and protect it from any malicious schemes, noting that Dangote chose Lagos State for the refinery’s location as a symbol of national unity and progress.
In addition to the refinery, the group highlighted Dangote’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy, including the establishment of the second-largest sugar refinery and the largest cement factory in the world, located in Lagos and Kogi States, respectively. They also pointed out Dangote’s investment in one of the largest fertilizer plants globally, which has commenced exports, further demonstrating his visionary leadership and business prowess.
The group commended Dangote’s role in nation-building, particularly in the face of widespread corruption and infrastructural decay in the public sector. They noted that Dangote’s companies are among the top taxpayers in Nigeria and that he is the largest private sector employer in the country.
“We urge His Excellency, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to intervene and prevent any conspiracies against the Dangote refinery project. As patriotic citizens, we will not tolerate any attempts to sabotage this critical national project, whether from within or outside Nigeria,” the group concluded.
