The 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has said that the founder of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, overcame numerous obstacles before his refinery commenced operations.
Atiku made this remark while accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led governments of implementing reforms that have been harsh on the private sector.
He urged the Nigerian government to implement reforms that would create a favorable environment for the private sector to thrive.
Posting on X, Atiku wrote: “Nigerians are aware of the many obstacles Aliko had to overcome to achieve this win.
“If the private sector must step forward to invest, create jobs, and drive growth, the government must roll out more supportive regulations and deliver them efficiently.
“The worst damage done by the APC-led government since 2015 is the introduction of difficult-to-implement-and-sustain ‘reform’ initiatives that erode private sector confidence in our economy and drive investors away from our shores.
“There are a few major milestones ahead as Nigeria journeys toward attaining energy self-sufficiency. I hope Aliko will continue to lend his unwavering support on this journey. -AA”
On Tuesday, Dangote announced the commencement of fuel production from his 650,000-barrel-per-day Lagos-based refinery.
Addressing a press briefing, Dangote said that the refinery’s petrol production will reduce import dependence, thereby lowering inflation and stabilizing the Naira against the dollar.
The business mogul added that petrol from the refinery will hit the Nigerian market once discussions are finalized with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
He also disclosed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) will determine the pricing of petrol from the refinery.
