Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, has claimed that influential groups in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry are actively working to undermine his $20 billion refinery project in Lagos.
Speaking at an investor forum in Lagos on Friday, May 2, Dangote told attendees that a long-standing cabal benefiting from subsidised fuel imports is now resisting change. According to a report by Semafor, Dangote said these interests are opposing both the removal of fuel subsidies and the operations of his refinery, which officially began selling petrol in September 2024.
He accused these groups of sponsoring resistance against policy reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration and revealed that their efforts were aimed at stalling progress at the Lekki-based facility.
Despite the challenges, Dangote expressed confidence in overcoming the opposition. He described the situation as an ongoing fight but stressed that he has a long history of persistence and determination.
“We’re still fighting, and the fight is not over yet. But I’ve been fighting all my life, and I’m fully confident that I will win this one too,” he said.
Dangote’s refinery, once operational at full capacity, is expected to significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel—a move that threatens the profit models of those who have long benefitted from the subsidy system.
