The Chairman of the Dangote Group Aliko Dangote has accused those he described as oil mafia of trying to sabotage the refinery project.
Dangote who was speaking at the Afreximbank annual meetings (AAN) and AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum in Nassau, The Bahamas, on Wednesday, said the group he labelled as stronger than the mafia in drug tried several times to stop the project from becoming a reality.
“Well, I knew that there would be a fight. But I didn’t know that the mafia in oil, they are stronger than the mafia in drugs,” he said.
When asked if the group is local or foreign, he said, “Both. There is a local one and a global one. It is all mixed up. They tried all sorts but you know, I’m a person that has been fighting all my life. So, I think it’s part of my life to fight.”
Despite the battles, Dangote believes victory is assured.
“I think we will end up winning because the population and the government will be on our side because what we are doing is right,” Dangote said during the event.
In January, the Dangote refinery started production in an event the company described as a “big day for Nigeria”.
“Dangote Petroleum Refinery has commenced production of diesel and aviation fuel,” the group said. “This is a big day for Nigeria. We are delighted to have reached this significant milestone.”
