Principal

The leadership of the House of Representatives led by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, on Saturday, paid a familiarisation tour to the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Company in Lagos.

The familiarisation visit, which was on the invitation of the Dangote Group, was initially planned to jointly take place with the leadership of the Senate on June 3, 2024, but the leadership of the National Assembly had to put the visit on hold to meet with the leadership of the Organised Labour on the minimum wage strike it embarked on at the time.

The Senate leadership had since embarked on the visit separately, while the House leadership slated July 20 for its own visit of the facility.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the Speaker, Musa Krishi, said the House leadership arrived in Lagos on Friday ahead of the familiarisation visit.

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Speaking when the leadership was conducted round the facility by businessman and President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Speaker Abbas noted that the tour was part of the continuous efforts to understand and support key industries within the nation’s economy.

He said the House was working diligently to create a more business-friendly environment through legislative reforms that streamline processes, reduce bureaucracy, and enhance transparency to make Nigeria an attractive destination for both local and international investors.

“The purpose of this visit is to provide the House Leadership and the relevant oil and gas committees with an in-depth understanding of the nature, scope, and activities of the Dangote Refinery. This initiative aligns with our legislative agenda, which aims to support the President’s Renewed Hope agenda, focusing on economic transformation, growth, and development.

“This familiarisation tour underscores our commitment to engaging with and supporting critical sectors that drive our economy. Also, this visit provides valuable insights that will inform our legislative measures and decisions.

“We remain dedicated to fostering an environment conducive to economic growth and development, ensuring that our legislative actions align with the broader goals of national progress as articulated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Abbas was quoted as saying.

He said, the House was aware of the challenges facing the private sector in Nigeria, including regulatory hurdles, infrastructure deficits, and access to finance and it was committed to addressing the issues and improving the ease of doing business in the country.

“We are working diligently to create a more business-friendly environment through legislative reforms that streamline processes, reduce bureaucracy, and enhance transparency. Our goal is to make Nigeria an attractive destination for both local and international investors.

“In line with the renewed agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly and the House of Representatives are committed to creating an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive.

“We understand that a robust partnership between the government and private enterprises like Dangote Group is essential for sustainable development. To this end, we are dedicated to enacting policies that support business growth, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and promote transparency and accountability,” Abbas said.

While recognising the importance of engaging with industry leaders to understand their challenges and collaboratively develop solutions, the Speaker of the House of Representatives urged Dangote “to maintain an open line of communication with the National Assembly and the House leadership. Constructive dialogue will ensure that we can address any operational challenges swiftly and foster an environment conducive to optimal economic growth.

“Together, we can drive Nigeria forward, harnessing the full potential of our resources and talents. I look forward to continued collaboration and a prosperous future for our great nation.”

He said the Dangote Refinery symbolised not only the strength and potential of Nigerian industry but also the dedication and vision of one of the country’s most esteemed business leaders, Aliko Dangote.

“As we tour this state-of-the-art facility, it is impossible not to appreciate the significant contributions that Dangote Group is making to our economy. From job creation to the reduction of our import dependence, the refinery stands as a testament to the transformative impact that strategic investments can have on our nation. It provides thousands of jobs, promotes local content, and drives technological advancements within our borders. Such efforts are crucial in our collective pursuit of economic stability and growth.

“The economic significance of the private sector globally cannot be overstated. Across the world, private enterprises are the engines of economic growth, driving innovation, increasing productivity, and fostering competitive markets. They play a critical role in wealth creation, poverty reduction, and the overall improvement of living standards.

“By investing in infrastructure, technology, and human capital, the private sector propels nations toward sustainable development and economic resilience. It is through a vibrant private sector that economies can diversify, innovate, and compete on a global scale.

“However, the journey does not end here. There is always more we can do together to bolster our economy. I encourage Dangote Group to continue exploring avenues to complement government initiatives. By investing in renewable energy, enhancing corporate social responsibility programs, and fostering innovation through research and development, Dangote can further solidify its role as a key player in our economic landscape.”

The Speaker was in company of the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu; House Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere; Chief Whip, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo; Deputy House Leader, Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims; Deputy Whip, Hon. Adewumi Onanuga; Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda; Minority Whip, Hon. Ali Isa; Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Aliyu Sani Madaki, and Deputy Minority Whip, Hon. George Ozodinobi.

Also in the delegation were the chairmen of relevant House Standing Committees on Oil and Gas and their deputies.