Akin Akinbobola, a former board member and spokesperson of the Nigeria Premier League Board has praised the monumental contributions of Dangote Refinery to Nigeria’s economy and its role in revitalizing the private sector.
According to him, Dangote’s industrial projects have not only reshaped the country’s investment landscapes but have also created opportunities for private enterprises and driven sustainable economic growth while also combating vigorously, the Nigeria’s unemployment rate.
Speaking with some selected journalists on Tuesday in Akure, Akinbobola a former Special Adviser Political and Mobilization to ex-Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko equally lauded Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote’s latest feat of Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited (DPAN) which has started assembling vehicles in Nigeria, as well as his consideration for building the country’s largest seaport in the Olokola Free Trade Zone, located in Ogun State.
“The Dangote Refinery is a game-changer for Nigeria’s economy. With a capacity to refine 650,000 barrels of crude oil daily, it has reduced Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products, conserved foreign exchange, and fortified our energy security. This milestone reinforces the critical role the private sector plays in national development. This patriotic and visionary Nigerian must be specially commended for his transformative impact on key economic sectors.” he stated.
Reacting further to Dangote’s purpose driven economic interventions, Akinbobola said, “The impact of Dangote Refinery on the private sector is profound. Apart from the refinery, the Dangote Peugeot Automobile with 120 vehicles assembly per day which kicked off in Kaduna is another milestone that should be profoundly applauded.
“By creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs, the refinery and the assembly plant have stimulated economic activities across multiple industries. From manufacturing to logistics, the project have provided businesses with opportunities to grow and innovate. The assembly plant and refinery’s operations have created employment for Nigerians at all levels while fostering technology transfer and skills acquisition. These have strengthened local businesses and equipped them with the tools to compete in domestic and global markets.
“Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s emphasis on local content has been a cornerstone of his auto assembly plant and refinery’s strategy. By sourcing materials locally and partnering with indigenous companies, the refinery has supported the growth of Nigerian enterprises and encouraged investments in infrastructure, engineering, and technology.
“The ripple effects of the Dangote business strategy extend beyond the energy sector. Its presence has catalyzed industrialization by attracting investments in related sectors such as petrochemicals, manufacturing, construction and transportation. This multiplier effect has significantly expanded Nigeria’s industrial base and enhanced the nation’s economic competitiveness.
“His decision to build the country’s largest seaport in the Olokola Free Trade Zone, located in Ogun State is a monumental feat that should be cherished and celebrated. It is also on record that in 2024, Dangote Group announced plans to rely primarily on maritime transport for shipping petroleum products to and from its new 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery. The goal is to improve supply chain efficiency and distribution. It takes a creative and proactive leader to think in that manner.
“And of course if the new port project moves forward, it could create competition for the Lekki Deep Sea Port, which was inaugurated in 2023 and is located nearby. However, it could also help ease pressure on Nigeria’s congested ports. The country’s two main ports, Apapa and Tin Can Island, have been struggling with capacity issues for years. We must also commend the government of Nigeria for creating an enabling environment for investors to strive, although things are not 100% perfect yet, but we are confident that it can get better.
“This is also a wake up call on all stakeholders to collaborate and replicate such success stories of Dangote Group to build a resilient, self-reliant, and prosperous Nigeria,” Akinbobola noted.
