Africa’s richest man and chairman of Dangote group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has offered to sell his latest business venture, the Dangote refinery, to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The businessman has been in the news lately, accusing various agencies and individuals of deliberately sabotaging his business interest and alleging there are forces, both local and international, who are bent on stopping the full operation of the refinery.
Dangote called allegations of him being a monopolist “incorrect and unfair.”
“Let them (NNPCL) buy me out and run the refinery the best way they can. They have labelled me a monopolist,” Dangote said.
“That’s an incorrect and unfair allegation, but it’s okay. If they buy me out, at least, their so-called monopolist would be out of the way.
“We have been facing fuel crisis since the 70s. This refinery can help in resolving the problem but it does appear some people are uncomfortable that I am in the picture.
“As you probably know, I am 67 years old, in less than three years, I will be 70. I need very little to live the rest of my life.
“I can’t take the refinery or any other property or asset to my grave. Everything I do is in the interest of my country.
“So, I am ready to let go, let the NNPC buy me out, run the refinery. At least the country will have high-quality products and create jobs.”
In May 2023, the billionaire’s refinery was inaugurated. The 650,000 barrel-per-day sits on a 2, 635 hectares of land located in the free zone area of Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.
The facility began the production of diesel on January 12, but petrol supply is billed for August after numerous factors — including crude supply challenges and a fire outbreak at the facility — stalled production.
The businessman also said he was advised against investing in Nigeria but his desire to see the country grow has kept him in.
“Four years ago, one of my very wealthy friends began to invest his money abroad,” Dangote said.
“I disagreed with him and urged him to rethink his action in the interest of his country.
“He blamed his action on policy inconsistencies and shenanigans of interest groups.
“That friend has been taunting me in the past few days, saying he warned me and that he has been proven right.”
