Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has revealed that his \$20 billion refinery project in Lagos is facing stiff opposition from powerful interests in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Despite this, he has vowed to stand firm in his vision, expressing full confidence that he will emerge victorious.
Speaking at an investor forum in Lagos on Friday, May 2, Dangote noted that resistance to the refinery’s success has been driven by individuals who previously benefited from government-subsidised fuel imports.
According to a report by international media outlet Semafor, he said,
“For a very, very long time, those that have made a lot of money from government-subsidised oil imports into Nigeria were the ones trying to sabotage the \$20 billion worth of refinery situated in Lekki, Lagos.”
The refinery, which began selling petrol in September 2024, has been a game changer for Nigeria’s fuel supply.
Since its launch, fuel imports have dropped significantly, marking a bold step toward self-sufficiency.
“We’re fighting, and the fight is not yet finished. But I have been fighting all my life, and I am ready and 100 percent sure I will win at the end of the day,” Dangote added with a strong tone of determination.
The oil cabal, he explained, is also pushing back against the fuel subsidy removal by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“Those groups have funded resistance to the Bola Tinubu government’s removal of petrol subsidies and are opposed to the refinery operating easily in the country,” he stated.
However, Dangote’s optimism remains unwavering.
His words reflect the spirit of someone who believes in standing by what is right, regardless of opposition.
In addition, his commitment to the refinery project sends a strong message to investors, Nigerians, and the global community about his dedication to industrial growth in Africa.
Furthermore, the refinery, located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, is expected to create jobs, reduce dependency on fuel imports, and boost Nigeria’s economy.
The impact has already started to show, even though some forces continue to push back.
Therefore, Dangote’s bold position reminds business leaders and the public that staying strong in one’s decisions even when faced with resistance is key to long-term success.
His confidence offers hope that Nigeria’s energy future may finally be changing for the better.
