Dangote has set Nigeria free from economic dependence

Aliko Dangote has liberated us from the chains of economic dependence that have held this nation back for far too long, according to business mogul Femi Otedola.

Dangote released products from its refinery to supply an initial 25 million litres of PMS into the domestic market this September. The company is now expected to subsequently increase this amount to 30 million litres daily from October 2024.

Otedola, in a statement on Tuesday, lauded his long-time friend and business partner, Dangote, for what he described as the “liberation” of Nigeria from economic dependence.

“You have not just built a refinery; you have liberated us from the chains of economic dependence that have held this nation back for far too long,” Otedola said.

The billionaire stated that the days of bowing to foreign powers for our fuel needs are over, noting that Dangote, with his “vision and determination, has dealt a death blow to the so-called local cabals who have fattened themselves for years, feeding off Nigeria’s economic slavery.

Otedola noted that these cabals, who he claims have grown rich by keeping Nigeria in a perpetual state of dependence, must now face the reality that their era of easy gains is coming to an end.

“I am reminded of the time you revolutionised the cement industry in Nigeria. Ships that once brought in cement turned into rusting relics, scraps of a bygone era. Now, with your refinery in full swing, I foresee a similar fate for fuel imports,” Otedola said.

“Aliko, you have my deepest admiration and respect. Congratulations to you and the entire board, management and staff of Dangote Refinery on this monumental achievement.

“This is not just a victory for you but for every Nigerian who dares to dream. May this be just the beginning of even greater things to come.”

Otedola also warned local fuel marketers to prepare for a shift in the industry, saying, “The depot owners should take heed—it’s time to dismantle those depots and sell them as scraps while the market is still high.

“The world has changed, and those who do not adapt will be left behind.”

“When I ventured into the depot business with Zenon, it was in response to the inefficiencies of the NNPC. Zenon pioneered the diesel business in Nigeria and quickly became the largest in the country, filling the gaps left by our inefficient system.

“But today, your refinery stands as a beacon of what is possible when one has the audacity to dream and the tenacity to see it through.”