Aliko Dangote
The President of Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has
disclosed that the construction of his refinery in the country would
create jobs for 8,000 engineers.
Dangote disclosed the new plan at the weekend after the Lagos State
Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), formally introduced the company
to the host communities signalling the formal take off of the
multi-billion naira investment at the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ).
At a session with journalists, the president, looking at what the state
government “has done by bringing this here, I can assure you that this
is going to be the biggest free trade zone in Africa. I know that the
people will begin to show their appreciation soon.”
He, therefore, expressed confidence that the zone “holds enormous
economic benefits for the state and Nigeria. For instance, there is no
way we can put down over $9 billion of our money here without making
sure that the zone is going to work.”
Dangote said his company would work at a very high speed, adding that
the communities would benefit enormously as over 8,000 engineers would
be trained while jobs would be created for youths in the communities.
The governor, who brokered truce between the investors and host
communities, expressed joy at the development, saying it signals a
breakthrough in the quest to fast track development in the zone.
He, however, said there “is no relationship where there will be no misunderstanding. We have reached an agreement in public. There has been a clear understanding today (last Sunday). We spoke in both local language and English, and you can see that by clear show of hands the people themselves have given their support.
He, however, said there “is no relationship where there will be no misunderstanding. We have reached an agreement in public. There has been a clear understanding today (last Sunday). We spoke in both local language and English, and you can see that by clear show of hands the people themselves have given their support.
“It was not a voice vote. It was a unanimous show of hands that they
want this project. So, we are ready to go. Whenever there is
misunderstanding, it is the duty of the government that such do not
disrupt the activities in the zone.
“I find it hard to reconcile the demand for jobs and disturbing the
factories and industries that will provide the jobs. LFTZ is beginning
to take shape. The master plan is being realised and investors are
trouping in.”
“Tank farms and major refineries are springing up to service the demands of Nigeria and make room for export. The refineries create a major selling point and release of the opportunities that lie ahead in this zone, create opportunities for the local people and the potentials for the state and Nigeria.”
“Tank farms and major refineries are springing up to service the demands of Nigeria and make room for export. The refineries create a major selling point and release of the opportunities that lie ahead in this zone, create opportunities for the local people and the potentials for the state and Nigeria.”
Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mrs.
Sola Oworu, said establishing a refinery in the zone “has opened up
enormous economic opportunities not only for the state, but for Nigeria.
She added that only 35 per cent of the goods “to be produced in the zone will be consumed in the state while the rest would be exported.”
She added that only 35 per cent of the goods “to be produced in the zone will be consumed in the state while the rest would be exported.”
