The recent statement by Africa’s richest man Alhaji Aliko Dangote may bring succour to the millions of Nigerian graduates who flood the streets every year in search of jobs.
Dangote said his refinery has the capability to transform Nigeria’s economy when it becomes operational soon.
Unconfirmed sources said the refinery is likely to commence operation before the end of the second term of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Buhari’s APC-led government has described his second term ambition as Next Level, where promises of massive jobs are promised.
He said the refinery, which is hoped will the largest in the world, would address perennial issue of fuel scarcity befalling the country for so many years.
It is also expected to provide thousands of jobs to Nigerians when it becomes operational.
Located in Lekki, Lagos State, Dangote refinery is expected to produce 65.4m litres of premium motor spirit (PMS) popularly known as petrol, Diesel (AGO) aviation jet fuel and Kerosine (DKP) daily.
According to The Sun, Dangote was represented by his Director of Strategy and Government Relations, Engr Mansur Ahmed, at Dangote Special Day, at the 40th Kaduna International Trade Fair.
He said other businesses – Dangote Cement, Salt, Sugar refineries as well as food products would ensure food security and improve the lives of Nigerians.
Dangote said the conglomerate had continued to be the largest employer of labour in Nigeria, with hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities. “The rice mills established in some states included Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Enugu, Zamfara, Kano and Niger, would also ensure self-sufficiency in rice production.
“We are doing everything possible to ensure Nigeria moves from an importing country to an exporting country,” the business mogul said.
“We have succeeded in making Nigeria an exporter of cement and earning hard currencies for the country, and contributing to lifting the country from recession.
“The feat is achievable because of the three Dangote cement factories at Obajana in Kogi state, Gboko Cement Factory in Benue and Ogun states because they are not only producing enough cement for local consumption but also for export,” he said.
Dangote, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, is the 74th richest man in the world as of April 6, and he is valued at $16.4 billion.
In a recent interview, Aliko Dangote was quoted as saying he withdrew $10 million just to look at it and convince himself that he is rich.
“The way it is that when you first start business, your target is to make your first million. Fine, I did that,” Dangote told Mo Ibrahim.
“After a year or so, I realised that I had much more, and I said ok, fine, all these numbers are just written numbers.
One day I went to a bank, and at that time, there were no restrictions, and I wrote a cheque and cashed $10m from the bank and put it in the boot of my vehicle, and I went home and I opened it and I looked at $10m and I said ‘now I believe I have money’,” The Cable quoted him as saying.
With his refinery underway, Nigeria’s unemployment rate is expected to drop when it becomes operational.
Dailyadvent
