Billionaire businessman Femi Otedola has extended heartfelt congratulations to his friend and fellow industrialist Aliko Dangote as his $20 billion refinery in Lagos commenced the production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, Okay.ng reports.
In a social media post on Tuesday, Otedola hailed Dangote’s achievement as a historic moment for Nigeria, signaling the end of the country’s reliance on foreign powers for its fuel needs.
He described the Dangote Refinery’s roll-out of petrol as a liberation from the “chains of economic dependence” that have long held the nation back.
“You have not just built a refinery; you have liberated us from the chains of economic dependence that have held this nation back for far too long. The days of bowing to foreign powers for our fuel needs are over, thanks to your vision and determination,” Otedola wrote.
Otedola highlighted the significance of the refinery’s 650,000 barrels per day capacity, which will produce aviation fuel, diesel, and petrol, effectively disrupting the dominance of local cabals who have profited from Nigeria’s dependency on imported fuel.
“You have dealt a death blow to the so-called local cabals who have fattened themselves for years, feeding off our nation’s economic slavery. These cabals, who have grown rich by keeping Nigeria in a perpetual state of dependence, must now face the reality that their era of easy gains is coming to an end,” he stated.
Drawing parallels to Dangote’s earlier transformation of the Nigerian cement industry, Otedola predicted a similar impact on fuel imports, advising depot owners to adapt or risk being left behind.
“I am reminded of the time you revolutionized the cement industry in Nigeria. Ships that once brought in cement turned into rusting relics, scraps of a bygone era. Now, with your refinery in full swing, I foresee a similar fate for fuel imports. The depot owners should take heed—it’s time to dismantle those depots and sell them as scraps while the market is still high,” Otedola advised.
In conclusion, Otedola expressed deep admiration for Dangote, congratulating him and the entire team at Dangote Refinery on their monumental achievement. He emphasized that this milestone is not just a victory for Dangote but for every Nigerian who dares to dream big.
“Aliko, you have my deepest admiration and respect. Congratulations to you and the entire board, management and staff of Dangote Refinery on this monumental achievement. This is not just a victory for you but for every Nigerian who dares to dream. May this be just the beginning of even greater things to come,” he added.
