PHOTO (L-R): Femi Otedola; Bill Gates: President Bola Tinubu, and Aliko Dangote, during the tour of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals complex.
“I landed here with four wise men. I will say wise men,” Tinubu said. “Jim Ovia of reputable Zenith Bank, who has been acknowledged worldwide. Femi Otedola, my baby brother. Samad Rabiu of BUA. And I believe the wisest of them all, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who is so daring in thinking, doing, and believing in his country.”
President Bola Tinubu remarked when he toured the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals complex, and the inauguration of the Deep Sea Port Access Road, at the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos State.
In a moment of tribute, Tinubu described Dangote as the wisest mind in Nigeria’s economic landscape, citing his far-reaching investments and steadfast commitment to the country.
In his keynote address at the event, the Nigerian leader described the refinery as “a remarkable achievement,” calling it “a phenomenal project of our time” and “a major point of reference for Nigeria’s industrial and economic growth.”
“Having inspected the Dangote Refinery, which is a great point of reference, a great phenomenon of our time, and a massive investment, I want to thank Aliko Dangote,” he said.
The president added, “I am also pleased that the Deep Sea Port project, which I initiated during my tenure as Governor of Lagos State, has become a resounding success. It has significantly reduced logistics costs by eliminating the need for trans-shipment.”He also lauded the quality of infrastructure delivered under the federal government’s Tax Credit Scheme, specifically commending Dangote Industries Limited and its subcontractor, Hitech Construction Company Limited, for the delivery of the port access road.
In his remark, Dangote acknowledged the positive impact of Tinubu’s economic policies, crediting recent reforms for fostering a more conducive environment for industrial growth and long-term investment.
He also expressed appreciation for President Tinubu’s ‘Nigeria First Policy’, which aims to significantly reduce dependence on foreign goods and services by prioritising local content in investment decisions, business operations, and consumer behaviour.
The billionaire businessman remarked that this policy aligns seamlessly with the Dangote Group’s corporate vision of producing what the nation consumes and fostering self-sufficiency to meet the basic needs of Nigerians.
