Aliko Dangote and President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday evening, hosted billionaire industrialist Alhaji Aliko Dangote at the State House in Abuja for a private discussion.
Though details remain under wraps, the meeting underscores the Nigerian government’s commitment to fostering private-sector-driven progress in the oil and gas industry.
The talks come on the heels of Tinubu’s June tour of Dangote’s 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery and petrochemical complex in Lagos.
Earlier that day, Tinubu took to his official X account to welcome attendees of the West African Refined Fuel Conference.
He emphasized the need for Africa to assert greater control over global energy markets and reduce reliance on foreign pricing.
“Africa must stop accepting external prices. We need clear, fair benchmarks that reflect our worth and shield our economies,” Tinubu wrote.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s efforts to work with regional allies to establish a cohesive African energy market.
“From refining to trade and regulation, we’re creating a system that prioritizes production and ensures energy security for our people,” he added.
At the conference, Dangote delivered a presentation titled _Building an African Refinery Hub: Opportunities and Obstacles_, where he addressed systemic challenges hampering refinery projects across the continent. “Beyond inadequate infrastructure, rent-seeking across the petroleum value chain remains our greatest hurdle,” he said, pointing to entrenched corruption and exploitation.
Dangote noted that new refineries disrupt these dynamics, often facing resistance from powerful interests intent on preserving the status quo. (NAN)
