According to Aliko Dangote, a friend who advised him against making investments in Nigeria is now making fun of him for disobeying his advice.
This was revealed by the Dangote Group President during a Sunday, July 21 interview with Premium Times.
Following reports from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority asserting that the diesel from Dangote Refinery is of lower quality, he agreed to the interview.
Reacting, Dangote said: “Four years ago, one of my very wealthy friends began to invest his money abroad. I disagreed with him and urged him to rethink his actions in the interest of his country.
“He blamed his action on policy inconsistencies and shenanigans of interest groups.
“That friend has been taunting me in the past few days, saying he warned me and that he has been proven right.”
He said he invested in the refinery to help solve a major issue in the country, as he wondered why some people were working against him.
He added, “As you probably know, I am 67 years old. In less than three years, I will be 70. I need very little to live the rest of my life. I can’t take the refinery or any other property or asset to my grave. Everything I do is in the interest of my country.
“We have been facing a fuel crisis since the 70s. This refinery can help in resolving the problem but it does appear some people are uncomfortable that I am in the picture. So I am ready to let go, let the NNPC buy me out, and run the refinery.
“This refinery can help in resolving the problem but it does appear some people are uncomfortable that I am in the picture. So I am ready to let go, let the NNPC buy me out, and run the refinery. At least the country will have high-quality products and create jobs.”
