In a shocking display of disregard for the future of young entrepreneurs in Nigeria and Africa, the comments by the CEO, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Ahmed Farouk, against the Dangote Refinery have revealed a troubling agenda….READ FULL ARTICLE...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE ▶▶
His statements, filled with dangerous rhetorics and veiled threats, have the potential to undermine the nation’s economic stability. Dangote Refinery represents a beacon of hope for economic transformation in Nigeria and across the African continent. Its promises to create thousands of jobs, eliminate importation of refined petroleum products, and pave the way for a robust energy sector. For young entrepreneurs, the refinery is an industrial breakthrough.
Farouk’s comments, however, have cast a dark shadow over these prospects. By attacking the Dangote Refinery, he is effectively killing the soul of young entrepreneurs who look up to such monumental projects as a source of inspiration and opportunity. His remarks suggest a preference for maintaining the status quo of import dependency which benefits a corrupt few while stifling the nation’s progress.
Critics, like Farouk, accuse the Dangote Refinery of creating a monopoly; however, such protectionist practices are common in developed countries, which safeguard their industries against imports from China and other nations. Europe and the United States, for instance, routinely implement measures to protect their domestic markets.
Governments in these regions often opt to use locally-manufactured vehicles such as Ford and GMC, instead of imported ones, despite their higher fuel consumption. These actions are designed to support local industries and preserve jobs, demonstrating that protecting home-grown enterprises is best global practice.
Dangote Refinery is at a starting point and deserves the opportunity to fine-tune its operations and achieve its full potential. Even the United States dollar, which is used to import petroleum products, is a form of monopoly in the global financial system. This underscores the double standards at play when criticising local initiatives like Dangote Refinery, which aim to break free from such dependencies.
The implications of Farouk’s comments extend beyond mere economic disruption. By undermining a project that could significantly boost Nigeria’s economy, he is engaging in a form of economic sabotage. His rhetorics is a threat to national stability, prosperity, and the future of millions of Nigerians who would benefit from a thriving local refinery sector.
Dangote Refinery is more than just an industrial project; it is a symbol of what Nigeria and Africa can achieve with visionary leadership and genuine commitment to progress. It is imperative that we stand against any rhetoric or actions that threaten this vision. Ahmed Farouk’s comments are not just an affront on Dangote; they are an affront to the very soul of entrepreneurship and economic resilience in our country. His departure from his position would signal a recommitment to these values and a rejection of the dangerous path he advocates….READ FULL ARTICLE
Adamu Abubakar,
Minna, Niger state
