By Henry Gabriel
The Nigerian Democracy Working Group has expressed concerns about an alleged plan to sabotage the Dangote Refinery. The CSOs emphasize that allowing such a plot to succeed would not only be detrimental to the Nigerian economy but also send a negative message to potential investors. The democracy group, comprising civil society organizations, academics, democracy activists, patriotic individuals, and entrepreneurs from across the country, issued a joint statement signed by Dr. Vincent Okpara Innocent and Dr. Idris Aliyu Mohammed, the convener and co-convener, respectively.
In the statement, the CSOs express their dismay at the purported conspiracy to undermine the significant investment made in the Dangote Refinery project. They highlight that this act is not only detrimental to the Nigerian economy but also counterproductive to the administration’s efforts to attract foreign investments. The establishment of the Dangote Refinery, a cutting-edge refinery built to the highest global standards, is seen as a visionary and patriotic move by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, showcasing his concern for the welfare of all Nigerians.
According to the CSOs, the Dangote refinery project will not only boost economic activities in the petroleum sector but also contribute to a significant increase in the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It will also generate revenue across various socio-economic strata, benefiting the larger public. The CSOs emphasize that this project represents a historic turning point for the petroleum sector and sets a precedent for combating corruption in the industry, a development welcomed by all patriotic Nigerians, irrespective of their regional, religious, or ethnic backgrounds.
The CSOs call for caution and urge His Excellency, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and other Nigerian authorities involved to carefully handle the matter concerning the Dangote Refinery. They stress that this project is not limited to any specific region but is a project for all Nigerians. The CSOs emphasize the need for collective support and protection against any attempt to sabotage it.
The CSOs commend Alhaji Aliko Dangote for his remarkable investments in Nigeria. They highlight his accomplishments in various sectors, such as building the largest single train refinery in the world, establishing the second-largest sugar refinery globally, and setting up the largest cement factory in the world. Additionally, Dangote has established one of the second-largest fertilizer plants globally, which has already begun exporting globally. The CSOs acknowledge Dangote’s significant contribution to nation-building, job creation, and tax revenues in Nigeria.
The CSOs urge Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and discourage the few individuals in the petroleum sector who may be working against the Dangote refinery project. The CSOs emphasize their unwavering commitment to not tolerate any conspiracy aimed at sabotaging this project, whether from within or outside Nigeria.
