By Martin Odiete
Nigerians had high hopes that the official opening of the Dangote refinery would lead to a reduction in fuel prices. However, the opposite has been the case, with no significant change in prices despite the refinery’s commencement of operations.
Aliko Dangote, the refinery’s owner, has expressed frustration over certain government forces working against the refinery’s interests, hindering its effective takeoff. This development has sparked concerns among Nigerians, who had expected the refinery to increase local fuel production and reduce reliance on imports.
In a recent visit to the refinery during a tour of the Free Trade Zone alongside the management of NEPZA, the Senate Committee on Trades and Investment, led by Chairman Sen Sadiq Suleiman Umar, expressed delight with the facility’s operations. Umar assured that the committee would provide adequate protection for the refinery, recognizing its significance to Nigeria’s economic development.
“As Legislators we represent the Nigerian people. So, anything that anybody is doing for the interest of the Nigerian people it is our responsibility to protect that interest.
“So, this investment that we have seen here is an investment for the country and for the world, not necessarily for Dangote himself.
“So, it is our responsibility within our power to see what we need to not only encourage him but to support him. And I am sure the president is seeing a lot of what has been done here and will try to support this refinery so that the country will be better for it,” the Sen Sadiq Umar said.
Meanwhile, the Dangote refinery has resumed purchasing crude oil from the United States after a three-month hiatus, with a cargo of two million barrels of WTI Midland crude expected to arrive next month. This development is seen as a positive step towards increasing local fuel production and reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel.
Comment:*
Nickname*
E-mail*
Website
