The president of Dangote Group of Companies, Aliko Dangote, has said one of his wealthy friends, who warned him against investing in Nigeria, has been taunting him, following his ordeal with the Nigerian government.
He said the friend started investing abroad four years ago, and advised him to follow suit, but he vehemently rejected the idea.
Mr Dangote has been at odds with the Nigerian authorities over alleged substandard products in his refinery.
But speaking during an interview with Premium Times, Mr Dangote said: “Four years ago, one of my very wealthy friends began to invest his money abroad. I disagreed with him and urged him to rethink his action in the interest of his country.
“He blamed his action on policy inconsistencies and shenanigans of interest groups. That friend has been taunting me in the past few days, saying he warned me and that he has been proven right.”
He emphasised that he invested in the project to help solve a major issue in the country, wondering why some persons were working against him.
“As you probably know, I am 67 years old, in less than three years, I will be 70. I need very little to live the rest of my life. I can’t take the refinery or any other property or asset to my grave. Everything I do is in the interest of my country.”
“We have been facing fuel crisis since the 70s. This refinery can help in resolving the problem but it does appear some people are uncomfortable that I am in the picture. So I am ready to let go, let the NNPC buy me out, run the refinery.
“This refinery can help in resolving the problem but it does appear some people are uncomfortable that I am in the picture. So I am ready to let go, let the NNPC buy me out, run the refinery. At least the country will have high-quality products and create jobs,” he added.
