The former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has extended congratulations to Aliko Dangote, chairman of Dangote Group, on the commencement of petroleum products from his newly operational refinery.
In a post on his official X page on Thursday, Atiku also expressed his disapproval of the current administration’s economic policies.
News About Nigeria reports that he said that the hardship has eroded trust and confidence in Nigeria’s private sector.
This development comes on the heels of Dangote’s official announcement on Tuesday, an achievement in the country’s history, as Nigeria had previously relied on imports to meet its petroleum needs.
Recall that during a press briefing on Tuesday, Dangote said that this development is a major achievement for Nigeria, marking the end of a long period of reliance on imported fuel.
Dangote said the petrol from the plant can compete with products from other parts of the world in terms of quality.
On August 22, Dangote Petroleum Refinery said it was undergoing test runs for petrol production, with full operation expected to commence by mid-September.
However, the former president reacted to the development, saying ,“Let me congratulate and appreciate the efforts of Alhaji Aliko Dangote as the Dangote Refinery begins production of PMS. It demonstrates his tenacity and ‘can do’ spirit and his belief in his fatherland.
“This remarkable accomplishment is beyond a demonstration of the business acumen of just one man. It is also a manifestation of what corporate Nigeria can do to recover the Nigerian economy and make it strong, dynamic, and resilient. This resonates with my dream of having an enlarged private sector presence in the Nigerian economy. I am an unrepentant advocate for a strong and visible participation of the private sector in strategic sectors of the economy, either alone or in partnership with the state.
“Nigerians are aware of the many obstacles Aliko had to overcome to achieve this win. If the private sector must step forward to invest, create jobs, and drive growth, the government must roll out more supportive regulations and deliver them efficiently.
“The worst damage done by the APC-led government since 2015 is to unleash difficult-to-implement-and-sustain ‘reform’ initiatives that erode private sector confidence in our economy and drive investors away from our shores.
“There are a few major milestones ahead as Nigeria journeys towards attaining energy self-sufficiency. I hope Aliko will continue to lend his unwavering support on this journey.”
