Mr Peter Obi, former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, has called on the Federal government to support the Dangote Refinery, citing its strategic importance to Nigeria’s economy and well-being.

In a string of posts on Tuesday morning, July 23, Peter Obi stated that the refinery’s potential of generating $21 billion in annual revenue, creating over 100,000 jobs, and addressing the country’s fuel crisis, makes it a priority company for the government.

Obi's remarks come after Dangote revealed over the weekend that he was being stonewalled by the Federal Government and he was considering selling the refinery.

Dangote also revealed a rich friend of his was now laughing at him after warning him not to start the refinery project.

Obi stressed that the success of Dangote is linked to Nigeria’s success and that the refinery’s failure would be a significant setback for the country and Africa.

He wrote; The recent conflicts between Dangote Industries and some government agencies are deeply troubling. This issue transcends political affiliations and personal grievances. It is fundamentally about Nigeria’s economy, future, and the well-being of its citizens. Given Alhaji Dangote’s significant contributions to Nigeria, it is crucial that these disputes are resolved swiftly.

Government agencies should be directed to offer the necessary support for the seamless launch and operation of the Dangote Refinery and its associated enterprises. The refinery has the potential to generate approximately $21 billion in annual revenue and create over 100,000 jobs, with numerous additional positive impacts on the economy.

Its strategic importance in addressing Nigeria’s fuel crisis, boosting foreign exchange earnings, and fostering economic growth cannot be overstated. The refinery is too vital to fail and must not be hindered, considering its crucial role in our national welfare.

The Federal Government and its agencies need to recognize the significance of Dangote’s contributions. Alhaji Dangote is not just a businessman; he is a national and African brand symbolizing patriotism, commitment, and impactful entrepreneurship.

Despite operating in a challenging business environment, he has established a remarkable industrial hub in Nigeria, encompassing over 15 sectors, including cement, sugar, salt, fertilizer, infrastructure, tomatoes, automotive, energy, petrochemicals, rice, poly sacks, real estate, mining, logistics, and maritime. Alhaji Dangote’s unwavering dedication to Nigeria’s industrialization, job creation, and economic growth, despite adversities, warrants full support and protection.

With economic indicators like unemployment, inflation, forex scarcity, and debt worsening, every sensible and patriotic government should regard enterprises like Dangote Industries as national treasures, meriting robust support and protection.

In the interest of Nigeria and its citizens, as well as Africans at large, I urge the Federal Government and its agencies to provide Dangote Industries, especially the refinery, with all necessary support.

The success of Dangote is intrinsically linked to the success of Nigeria and Africa; conversely, its failure would be a significant setback for both Nigeria and the continent.