• Backing Dangote essential for Nigeria’s economic growth, Atiku, Obi, Otedola tell FG
• Reps demand suspension of NMDPRA chief over alleged sabotage
• Gabon President invites Dangote to invest in cement, fertilser production

Amid the ongoing imbroglio concerning the Dangote Refinery, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed concern about the row between Aliko Dangote and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

NMDPRA had accused Dangote of attempting to foist a monopoly of crude oil production in the oil and gas sector. Dangote, in turn, accused NMDPRA and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) of frustrating his efforts at crude oil production in connivance with a powerful cabal in the country.

Hopes that a reconciliatory meeting both parties had on Monday would put an end to the controversy waned as the regulator yesterday opened a fresh chapter, asking Dangote to name the officials he alleged were frustrating his refinery because they had a blending plant in Malta.

Stating on his X page, Atiku wrote that the conflict was troubling as Dangote Refinery, the country’s largest private investment, is crucial for Nigeria’s energy and economic stability.

“The 650,000 bpd refinery is essential for our energy needs and economic stability, and NNPCL’s investment underscores its importance. If we neglect this, we risk deterring vital foreign direct investment. No investor will trust a nation that undermines its key assets. Protecting significant investments like Dangote’s is essential to attract FDI and drive our economic growth.”

Also, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, wading into the ongoing conflict, describing the situation as “deeply troubling.”

In a statement, he stated the issue transcended political affiliations and personal grievances, but fundamentally about Nigeria’s economy, future, and the well-being of its citizens, adding that Dangote’s significant contributions to Nigeria make it crucial for the disputes to be resolved swiftly.

This is as the House of Representatives on Tuesday demanded the immediate suspension of Chief Executive of NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed, over his alleged role in the attempt to sabotage the operation of the Dangote Refinery.

Adopting the motion under matters of urgent national importance sponsored by Esosa lyawe at the plenary, he argued that he should be asked to step aside pending conclusive investigations into the allegations against his outfit. The House directed the Ikenga Ugochinyere-led House committee on midstream and downstream to ensure compliance.

MEANWHILE, President Brice Oligui Nguema of Gabon has invited Dangote to invest in Cement and Fertiliser production in Gabon. The President urged Dangote to explore potential investment opportunities in the country’s cement and fertilizer sectors, specifically urea and phosphate production.

During the visit, Dangote engaged in discussions with President Nguema and other top government officials. The talks focused on how Dangote Industries could contribute to Gabon’s economic growth by establishing cement and fertilizer plants, which are vital for the country’s infrastructure development and agricultural productivity.

Nguema expressed enthusiasm about the potential partnership, highlighting Gabon’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for foreign investments. He noted that the collaboration with Dangote Industries would bring significant benefits, including job creation, technology transfer, and enhanced industrial capacity.

Dangote, renowned for his successful business ventures across Africa, underscored his company’s dedication to fostering economic development in the continent. He emphasised that investing in Gabon’s cement and fertilizer sectors aligns with Dangote Industries’ strategic vision of expanding its footprint and supporting sustainable development across Africa.

“We are excited about the opportunity to invest in Gabon. Our goal is to contribute to the country’s economic diversification and industrialization efforts. By leveraging our expertise in cement and fertilizer production, we aim to support Gabon’s infrastructure and agricultural sectors,” Dangote stated.

Billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, has also spoken out about the ongoing dispute between Dangote and Nigeria’s regulatory authorities in the petroleum sector. Otedola, a close ally of Dangote, emphasised the importance of backing visionaries like his bosom friend to build and sustain the nation’s economy.

In a post on X on Tuesday, Otedola, known as “the strongman of the money and capital markets” following his acquisition of the largest shareholding in FBN Holdings Ltd, praised Dangote’s contributions. “Visionaries are needed to build a nation’s economy, and their legacies remain long after they have left the stage,” he wrote.

Highlighting Dangote’s achievements, Otedola pointed out the significant projects Dangote has undertaken across Nigeria. “My brother, the visionary, has built the largest single train refinery in the world in Lagos State. He also owns the second-largest sugar refinery globally, and the largest cement factory in Kogi State,” he noted. Dangote’s ventures include a fertilizer plant in Lagos that exports globally and is poised to surpass the world’s largest in Qatar.

Otedola also emphasised Dangote’s role as a major employer and taxpayer in Nigeria. “Aliko Dangote is the largest private sector employer in the country. His companies pay more in taxes than the top banks combined. His contributions extend to critical infrastructure, including major roads like the Apapa Oshodi-Owonrosoki Express Road and the Obajana-Kabba Road,” he added.