Buhari Will Commission My Refinery Before End Of His Tenure — Dangote

Chairman of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has assured that the Dangote Refinery will be ready for commissioning before the end of President Muhammadu Buhari administration in 2023.

He gave the assurance Friday while fielding questions from State House reporters after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday.

Dangote, who was asked about the time when the refinery would be ready for operations, said “by the grace of God, Mr. President will come and commission before the end of his tenure”.

According to Africa richest man, when operational, the refinery would create jobs and generate more tax money, which would be used by government to develop the country further.

“In the near future, they are expect to see more employment, they are expected to see more prosperity. We keep doing new things and good things and also we keep paying our taxes, which will complement the government’s effort in providing education, good health and the rest,” he said.

Asked if he was worried about potash scarcity as a result of the Russian/Ukrainian conflict, Dangote said there was no need for worry as only 26% of the world’s potash supply comes from the two countries.

“No, we are not concerned. Well, there are some few other countries that have it, it’s not only Ukraine that has it. Yes, Ukraine and Russia have about 26% of the world’s potash, but it does not mean that you cannot source potash elsewhere. So, I’m not really very concerned, the concern is just about price,” he said.

On the reason behind the visit of his team to the State House, he said “we came here on a courtesy call and also a ‘thank you visit’, to thank him for personally coming to commission our fertilizer plant. This is just on the 22nd of March, about four weeks ago. So, I’m here with my board of directors, just to show gratitude to Mr. President and he received us very well.”