The Digest:
Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has publicly taunted the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) for criticizing his refinery’s fuel price reduction, dismissing their concerns as anti-people and counterproductive. During the refinery’s first-anniversary event, Dangote framed the price cut and CNG truck initiative as transformative benefits for Nigerians.
Key Points:
- Dangote mocked NUPENG’s “Greek gift” criticism, retorting: “Why don’t you give the French one?”
- He emphasized that the refinery ended 50 years of fuel queues and reduced petrol prices from ₦1,100 to ₦841.
- The CNG truck rollout is expected to create 24,000 new jobs, with drivers earning triple the minimum wage plus full benefits.
- Dangote revealed the refinery exported over 1.1 billion litres of PMS, boosting foreign exchange earnings.
- He defended the project as a high-risk investment that could have cost him all his assets if it failed.
- The industrialist called for “Nigeria First” legislation to protect local industries from foreign dumping.
- He positioned the refinery as a model for African industrialization and self-sufficiency.
Sources: Dangote Refinery Anniversary Statement
