President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, on Monday, recounted how President Muhammadu Buhari stopped him from giving up on the establishment of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals, the world’s largest single-train refinery.
Dangote, who spoke during the inauguration of the project in Lagos, explained that Buhari’s sustained support and encouragement over the past eight years had been a source of great motivation and strength for him.
The multi-billionaire businessman said the desire to go into the petroleum sector began about 20 years ago, but encountered some setbacks.
But he expressed delight that the project had finally become a reality.
Dangote said, “Mr. President, Distinguished Guests, the journey to this event was long and arduous. It could not have been possible without the support and collaboration of many parties and individuals.
“So, permit me Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests to recognize and appreciate just a few.
“Let me start with Your Excellency, Mr. President. Your sustained support and encouragement over the past eight years have been, for me personally, a source of great motivation and strength. At times when I felt like giving up, your confidence and quiet words of assurance have made the difference. Mr President, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
The businessman also thanked the Lagos State Government, beginning from the tenure of President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who governed Lagos between 1999 and 2007, to the incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
He said, “Those like me, who have made Lagos our home will testify that since the beginning of the current democratic dispensation, the government of Lagos State has been exceptionally remarkable in its commitment and support for the private sector.
“From the tenure of the President Elect, H.E Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who established the Lekki Free Zone, to the incumbent governor H.E Babajide Sanwolu who has been most proactive in ensuring the successful execution of this project, the State government has indeed demonstrated great commitment to promoting an investment friendly climate, which made it possible for Our Group to invest over $30billion in various industries in the state economy over that period.
“I would like to express our deep appreciation and gratitude to the Lagos State government and its successive governors for the resolute facilitation of this enabling business environment.”
Dignitaries at the event included the Presidents of Togo, Gnassingbé Eyadéma; Ghana’s Nana Akufo-Addo; President of Senegal, Macky Sall; President of Niger Republic, Mohamed Bazoum and a host of ambassadors.
With the take-off of the refinery, Nigeria is expected to save up to $10 billion in foreign exchange and generate another $10 billion in exports.