Kano, Nigeria – Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has commented on the ongoing disagreement between the Dangote Refinery management and Nigerian regulatory authorities. The regulatory bodies have accused Dangote Refinery of producing sub-standard petroleum products, a claim the company denies.
In a statement via his X handle, Kwankwaso attributed the dispute to ‘unnecessary fuss’ created by vested interests, warning that it could undermine investor confidence in the Nigerian economy. “The creation of unnecessary fuss around its integrity by some vested interests is very unfortunate, and it stands to undo all the years of hard work to maintain the fragile investor confidence in our economy,” he stated.
Kwankwaso, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, emphasized the significance of Dangote’s refinery for Nigeria’s energy needs and economic stability. He stressed the need to protect the refinery from any threats that could jeopardize its operations.
“I was privileged to visit the magnificent Dangote Refinery, and I was marveled by the sheer commitment that went into the quality of its establishment. It’s time for us to rally around this National Asset to ensure that the monumental project does not fail. It cannot fail, and the Nigerian government must understand this by demonstrating fairness and confidence in both domestic and foreign critical investments,” Kwankwaso said.
Earlier, 2023 presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi also expressed concern over the conflict between Dangote Industries and government agencies. In separate posts on X, they lamented that the controversy surrounding the Dangote refinery could deter vital foreign direct investment and damage the economy. They urged government agencies to support the refinery, emphasizing its crucial role in national welfare.
The Dangote Refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is seen as essential for meeting Nigeria’s energy demands and ensuring economic stability. The unfolding saga has sparked significant concern among key political figures, highlighting the refinery’s critical importance to the nation’s future.
