Senator Ali Ndume has strongly cautioned oil industry workers and critics against vilifying Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, in the ongoing disputes over his multibillion-dollar refinery project.
Ndume described the refinery as a landmark investment with the potential to save Nigeria billions of dollars in fuel imports and create thousands of jobs. He warned that portraying Dangote as a villain was “shortsighted and destructive,” adding that the refinery represents hope for energy security in a country plagued by chronic fuel crises.
The senator called on organized labor and other stakeholders to approach disagreements through dialogue rather than media attacks, which he said could weaken investor confidence at a time when Nigeria desperately needs private capital. He also noted that the refinery, though imperfect, remains the boldest private-sector effort to address one of Nigeria’s most persistent economic challenges.
According to Ndume, demonizing a project of such magnitude risks discouraging other investors and undermines national interest.
