By David Peter
Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Cement, the continent's largest cement producer has extolled the president-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for actualizing his industrial drive towards the establishment of the Free Trade Zone in Lekki.
In a 60sec documentary disclosed, Tuesday by Dangote Media in exploration of Africa's Largest Oil Refinery which was officially launched by President Buhari on Monday at the Lekki free trade zone area of Lagos state.
The Forbes richest black man expressed his gratitude to momentous politicians, creams of business moguls as well as meaningful Nigerians for their tremendous support during the varied phases of the projects.
He reflected that the 650, 000 barrels per day (BPD) integrated refinery project perched in Ibeju-Lekki was birthed from the then-establishment of the free trade territory, a vision instigated by Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Gratifying the president-elect, the business tycoon said, “What I want to share to Nigerians is actually to show my personal gratitude and that of also Dangote Groups for all the assistance we got from the President, from the Federal government of Nigeria and even from the President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu," he boasted.
Dangote explained that “He (tinubu) also set the phase by creating the Lekki Free Trade Zone as part of his dream," he honored.
The project, which cost $19 billion, is said to be Africa’s largest oil refinery and the world’s largest single-train facility. The combined refinery and petrochemical complex will create 9,500 direct jobs and 25,000 indirect jobs. The refinery is expected to supply its first tranche of petroleum products to the market before the end of July.
Earlier, the CEO of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote paid a visit to the President-Elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu before the official induction of the Oil refinery. Tinubu who's due for inauguration on May 29, emerging as the president-elect, has sailed his party, All Progressive Congress (APC) gain another 4 years of tenure as incumbent President, Muhammadu Buhari is ending his 8years in office.
Aliko, however, lauded Nigeria's President, Mohammadu Buhari, Governor of Lagos State; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Governor of Lagos State; Babatunde Fashola and the ex-governor of Lagos State; Akinwunmi Ambode for the role they played in support and sustenance of the project during their term in office.
David Peter writes from Abuja.
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