Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has lauded Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, for his latest monumental achievement—the commencement of PMS (petrol) production at the Dangote Refinery. In a congratulatory message shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Atiku praised Dangote’s unrelenting perseverance and vision, hailing him as a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s economic revival.
“Let me congratulate and appreciate the efforts of Alhaji Aliko Dangote as the Dangote Refinery begins production of PMS. It demonstrates his tenacity, ‘can do’ spirit, and unwavering belief in his fatherland,” Atiku remarked, recognizing the immense hurdles Dangote overcame to make this groundbreaking project a reality.
Atiku emphasized that this milestone transcends the triumph of a single individual, reflecting instead the vast potential of corporate Nigeria to rejuvenate the nation’s struggling economy. “This remarkable accomplishment is beyond a demonstration of the business acumen of just one man. It is a manifestation of what corporate Nigeria can do to recover the economy and make it strong, dynamic, and resilient,” he stated.
The former Vice President also used the occasion to reiterate his long-held belief in the power of private sector involvement in Nigeria’s key industries. “This resonates with my dream of having an enlarged private sector presence in the Nigerian economy. I remain an unrepentant advocate for strong and visible participation of the private sector in strategic sectors, either alone or in partnership with the state,” Atiku affirmed.
However, he did not shy away from criticizing the current administration for what he perceives as poor policy-making that stifles business confidence. He decried the regulatory and economic hurdles that have driven investors away from Nigeria under the APC-led government, arguing that if the country is to experience robust economic growth, the government must actively foster a more supportive environment for investors. “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 fromour shores,” he said.
Looking ahead, Atiku expressed hope that Dangote would continue to contribute significantly toward Nigeria’s journey to energy self-sufficiency, acknowledging that while there are still milestones to be reached, Dangote’s success stands as a testament to what the private sector can achieve in transforming the nation’s economy.
As the Dangote Refinery gears up to reshape Nigeria’s energy landscape, Atiku’s call for greater collaboration between the private sector and government underscores the pressing need for policies that promote economic stability, job creation, and investor confidence.
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