In a recent revelation, Ahmed Isah, a prominent human rights activist and the owner of Brekete Family Radio, voiced his concerns over the Nigerian government’s alleged attempts to frustrate Aliko Dangote’s refinery project. Speaking passionately, Isa highlighted several key aspects of the situation that shed light on the significance of the refinery and the challenges it faces.
Isah, who was personally taken on a tour of the refinery by Dangote himself, emphasized the monumental scale and potential of the project. He pointed out that the refinery’s capacity and advanced technology are unmatched in Africa, stating, “Five African countries combined couldn’t build this refinery.” According to Isa, once operational for six months, the refinery could eradicate fuel scarcity and the scarcity of petroleum products in Nigeria.
A key feature of the refinery, as described by Isa, is its high level of automation and minimal maintenance requirements. It is designed to load 260 trucks daily, utilizing some of the best equipment in the world—equipment that even some European countries lack. This level of sophistication and efficiency poses a threat to traditional systems, such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which Isa claims is a source of corruption and inefficiency.
The project’s construction faced significant hurdles, including the refusal of Julius Berger, a renowned construction company, to take on the contract. This led Dangote to source 2000 cranes to proceed independently. Despite his personal feelings towards Dangote, Isa declared his support for the businessman, citing his duty to fight for the Nigerian people’s interests.
Isah believes that the successful operation of the Dangote refinery would lead to a reduction in fuel prices and a stronger Nigerian currency by boosting exports and reducing imports. He suggested that both Western governments and the Nigerian government are working against the refinery because it would expose their corrupt practices, especially within the NNPC.
In his words, the operation of the refinery would “open the government’s ynAsh,” a phrase indicating the exposure of corruption and embezzlement. This strong statement underscores the high stakes and the potential impact of Dangote’s refinery on Nigeria’s economy and governance.
Isah’s bold revelations call for greater transparency and support for initiatives that promise to bring about positive change in Nigeria, challenging the status quo and confronting systemic corruption.