Dangote’s contribution to Nigeria’s economy huge — Mimiko’s ex-aide

A former Special Adviser on Political and Mobilisation Matters to ex-Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo, Akin Akinbobola, has hailed the Dangote Refinery for sustaining production and distribution of quality petroleum products in Nigeria.

Akinbobola who stated this on Tuesday in Akure, Ondo state capital, noted that Dangote’s contributions to Nigeria’s economy had been monumental and the impact had been felt in almost every sector of the country.

The former Special Adviser also commended the Nigerian billionaire on the latest feat of Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited (DPAN) which has started assembling vehicles in Nigeria,
as well as his consideration for building the country’s largest seaport in the Olokola Free Trade Zone, located in Ogun State.

According to him, the venture will contribute to the Nigerian economy by boosting local manufacturing, reducing reliance on imported vehicles, and creating jobs, with a current annual capacity of 44,000 vehicles.

Akinbobola noted that Dangote’s industrial projects have not only reshaped the country’s investment landscapes but also created opportunities for private enterprises and driven sustainable economic growth, reducing the nation’s unemployment rate.

“The Dangote Refinery is a game-changer for Nigeria’s economy. With a capacity to refine 650,000 barrels of crude oil daily, it has reduced Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products, conserved foreign exchange, and fortified our energy security.

“This milestone reinforces the critical role the private sector plays in national development. This patriotic and visionary Nigerian must be specially commended for his transformative impact on key economic sectors.”

Akinbobola, a former board member and spokesperson of the Nigeria Premier League Board, said the impact of Dangote Refinery on the private sector was profound.

“Apart from the refinery, the Dangote Peugeot Automobile with 120 vehicles assembly per day which kicked off in Kaduna is another milestone that should be profoundly applauded.

“By creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs, the refinery and the assembly plant have stimulated economic activities across multiple industries.

“From manufacturing to logistics, the project has provided businesses with opportunities to grow and innovate.

“The assembly plant and refinery’s operations have created employment for Nigerians at all levels while fostering technology transfer and skills acquisition.

“These have strengthened local businesses and equipped them with the tools to compete in domestic and global markets.

“Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s emphasis on local content has been a cornerstone of his auto assembly plant and refinery’s strategy. By sourcing materials locally and partnering with indigenous companies, the refinery has supported the growth of Nigerian enterprises and encouraged investments in infrastructure, engineering, and technology.

“The ripple effects of the Dangote business strategy extend beyond the energy sector. Its presence has catalyzed industrialization by attracting investments in related sectors such as petrochemicals, manufacturing, construction and transportation.

“This multiplier effect has significantly expanded Nigeria’s industrial base and enhanced the nation’s economic competitiveness,” he added.

Akinbobola said the decision of Dangote to build the country’s largest seaport in the Olokola Free Trade Zone, located in Ogun State was a monumental feat that should be cherished and celebrated.

He recalled that in 2024, Dangote Group announced plans to rely primarily on maritime transport for shipping petroleum products to and from its new 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery, with the goal to improve supply chain efficiency and distribution which took a creative and proactive leader to think in that manner.

He said new port project would create competition for the Lekki Deep Sea Port, which was inaugurated in 2023 and is located nearby the new planned location, noting that it would help ease pressure on Nigeria’s congested ports.

“The country’s two main ports, Apapa and Tin Can Island, have been struggling with capacity issues for years. We must also commend the government of Nigeria for creating an enabling environment for investors to strive, although things are not 100% perfect yet, but we are confident that it can get better.

“This is also a wake up call on all stakeholders to collaborate and replicate such success stories of Dangote Group to build a resilient, self-reliant, and prosperous Nigeria,” Akinbobola noted.