The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has broken his silence on the ongoing dispute between Dangote Refinery and the Federal Government.

Politics Nigeria understands that there is a dispute between the Dangote Group and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) regarding the quality of diesel fuel in Nigeria.

The refinery has also not been able to get adequate crude supplies from the country.

In a statement on social media, Obi called for a swift resolution and government support for the refinery’s seamless operation.

Obi highlighted the refinery’s potential to generate $21 billion in annual revenue and create over 100,000 jobs, stressing its strategic importance in addressing Nigeria’s fuel crisis, boosting foreign exchange earnings, and fostering economic growth.

He praised Alhaji Dangote’s contributions to Nigeria, describing him as a national and African brand symbolizing patriotism, commitment, and impactful entrepreneurship. Obi noted that Dangote’s dedication to Nigeria’s industrialization, job creation, and economic growth warrants full support and protection.

His statement reads:

“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.”