September 3, 2024
By Adedoja Adesoji
… Dismantle those depots, sell them as scraps, Otedola tells oil importers
Femi Otedola, a prominent businessman and ally of Aliko Dangote, has called on oil importers to take decisive action in light of the historic milestone achieved with the Dangote Refinery.
In a heartfelt letter addressed to Dangote, Otedola congratulated him on the successful shipment of fuel from the refinery, a project that has been 25 years in the making.
‘Why is the colour different,’ reactions as Dangote Refinery begins petrol sales
“This day belongs to every Nigerian who has dared to dream of a better future,” Otedola wrote, praising Dangote for his unwavering resolve.
“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.”
Otedola reminisced about their initial venture with the Blue Star Consortium, which aimed to acquire stakes in the Kaduna and Port Harcourt refineries.
Despite their ambitions, the government’s actions thwarted their plans. “We were ready to change the game, but fate had other plans,” he recalled.
“The government of the day, in an act I can only describe as utterly obnoxious, canceled our stakes and thwarted our vision. But, as always, you refused to be deterred.”
He emphasized that the Dangote Refinery represents a monumental shift in Nigeria’s economic and energy independence.
“The days of bowing to foreign powers for our fuel needs are over,” Otedola declared, adding that Dangote’s achievement has “dealt a death blow to the so-called local cabals who have fattened themselves for years, feeding off our nation’s economic slavery.”
Drawing a parallel to his own experience with the Zenon depot business, Otedola urged that depot owners should now consider dismantling their infrastructure as the Dangote Refinery reshapes the market.
“The depot owners should take heed—it’s time to dismantle those depots and sell them as scraps while the market is still high,” he stated.
“The world has changed, and those who do not adapt will be left behind.”
Otedola’s statement underscores the impact of the Dangote Refinery not only in advancing Nigeria’s energy capabilities but also in challenging entrenched economic practices.
“You have beaten all the skeptics, silenced the naysayers, and proved wrong those who doubted your resolve, even those who never wanted this project to succeed,” he wrote, expressing his admiration for Dangote’s perseverance.
As Nigeria celebrates this landmark achievement, the industry watches closely to see how the shift will influence market dynamics and economic policies
. “This is not just a victory for you but for every Nigerian who dares to dream,” Otedola concluded. “May this be just the beginning of even greater things to come.”
