The Ogun State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) has praised the monumental contributions of Dangote Refinery to Nigeria’s economy and its role in revitalizing the private sector. This flagship industrial project has not only reshaped the country’s energy landscape but has also created opportunities for private enterprises and driven sustainable economic growth.

Speaking on behalf of OGUNCCIMA, it’s President Lion Niyi Oshiyemi, lauded the refinery’s achievements, emphasizing its transformative impact on key economic sectors.

“The Dangote Refinery is a game-changer for Nigeria’s economy. With a capacity to refine 650,000 barrels of crude oil daily, it has reduced Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products, conserved foreign exchange, and fortified our energy security. This milestone reinforces the critical role the private sector plays in national development,” he stated.

The impact of Dangote Refinery on the private sector is profound. By creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs, the refinery has stimulated economic activities across multiple industries. From manufacturing to logistics, the project has provided businesses with opportunities to grow and innovate.

“The refinery’s operations have created employment for Nigerians at all levels while fostering technology transfer and skills acquisition. This has strengthened local businesses and equipped them with the tools to compete in domestic and global markets,” Oshiyemi noted.

The emphasis on local content has been a cornerstone of Dangote Refinery’s strategy. By sourcing materials locally and partnering with indigenous companies, the refinery has supported the growth of Nigerian enterprises and encouraged investments in infrastructure, engineering, and technology.

The ripple effects of the Dangote Refinery extend beyond the energy sector. Its presence has catalyzed industrialization by attracting investments in related sectors such as petrochemicals, manufacturing, and transportation. This multiplier effect has significantly expanded Nigeria’s industrial base and enhanced the nation’s economic competitiveness.

OGUNCCIMA also highlighted the refinery’s contributions to addressing Nigeria’s balance of trade challenges. By producing refined petroleum products domestically, the refinery has reduced the need for costly imports while positioning Nigeria as a potential exporter of refined products within the African continent.

The impact of Dangote Refinery goes beyond Nigeria’s borders, as it addresses Africa’s critical energy deficits and trade imbalances. By meeting the energy demands of neighboring countries and promoting intra-African trade, the refinery aligns with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“This refinery is a shining example of what can be achieved through visionary leadership and investment in strategic sectors. It demonstrates Africa’s potential to compete globally and foster regional integration,” Oshiyemi remarked.

In addition to its economic contributions, Dangote Refinery has maintained a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility. The Dangote Group’s investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure have improved the quality of life for many Nigerians and strengthened community resilience.

“Dangote Refinery exemplifies the role of private sector enterprises in driving social progress alongside economic development. Its initiatives in healthcare and education are building a brighter future for Nigerians,” Oshiyemi added.

OGUNCCIMA urged stakeholders across public and private sectors to emulate the Dangote Refinery’s innovative approach to development. By fostering partnerships and investing in transformative projects, Nigeria can achieve sustainable economic growth and reduce its reliance on external resources.

“This refinery stands as a model for what is possible when the private sector leads with vision and commitment. We call on all stakeholders to collaborate and replicate such success stories to build a resilient, self-reliant, and prosperous Nigeria,” Oshiyemi concluded.

It would be recalled that Dangote Refinery recently slashed the price of its petrol to N970 per litre to oil marketers, while assuring that further reduction is still possible in a foreseeable future.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state has promised to end acts of hooliganism and tyranny in the state.
He said the era of hooliganism must end in Ogun state and he was ready to safeguard peace and security as the state chief security officer.
Abiodun made the vow, while hosting the newly elected chairmen and councilors in the Saturday local government poll at the presidential annex, Ibara GRA in Abeokuta.
According to the governor, certain individuals hired thugs and brought illegal policemen into the state, to disrupt the Saturday local government poll in the state.
In the process, the governor said they attacked the vice chairman of a local government in his home town.
The governor vowed that anyone, irrespective of his status, found culpable in the attack, would face the wrath of the law.
He said the illegal policemen imported into the town were disarmed, arrested and now in police custody at the command headquarter Eleweran.
The governor tasked the new council’s chairmen to implement policies and programmes that would impact the lives of the people.
Speaking on behalf of the new council chiefs, the new Sagamu local government chairmen, Olasile Odulate promised that they would work towards improving the lives of people in their respective areas.

The major Transport Unions in Ogun State have commended the government in the State for setting up Special Task Force to monitor the activities of filling stations over alleged sharp practices.

The Chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Ogun State, Alhaji Mustapha Adewale, popularly known as Yaro on Friday berated the reaction of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) over the activities of the Task Force, saying such reaction is out of place and unbecoming of a noble association like IPMAN.

He said instead of criticising and threatening showdown on the issue, the association ought to have painstakingly and diligently conduct investigation to ascertain the veracity of allegation of sharp practices among its members in Ogun State, which necessitated the setting up of Task Force to curb the menace. 

The NURTW boss noted that the ultimate rationale behind the initiative by the Ogun State Government was to protect the people from crude extortion in the face of current economic hardship in the land, adding that the association must support the good intention of the government to sanitize the system against sharp practices.

” I am also a petrol dealer,  I have filling stations across the State and the government carried us along in the process that brought about the Task Force. The surresptious extortion of the people by many filling stations around the  State is very disturbing and annoying.

“You can imagine a situation when motorists got seven litres of fuel after and paying for ten litres, in the case of  commercial drivers, situation like this responsible for hike in transport fare, meaning that the people are the ones to bear the brunt of that anomaly.

“That is the reason the government of Prince Dapo Abiodun,  being a sensitive and responsive government came up with Task Force to put stop to this infraction in order not to add more burden to the people, it is  a very laudable and commendable initiative that requires the support of all”, Yaro said.

In the same vein, the Secretary of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria(RTEAN) Comrade Tiwalade Akingbade, also known as Paulo Rossi has carpeted IPMAN over the development, arguing that there is no ground for their resistance to the activities of Task Force except they have ‘ skeleton in their cupboard ‘.

Akingbade explained that the setting up of the Task Force was part of the frantic efforts of Dapo Abiodun-led administration to ease the burden of hike in pump price of PMS in the effect that payment should commensurate with the volume of product and not the other way round. 

He further said that the government in the State has done a lot in making life comfortable for the people and ameliorating  the present economic predicament in the country by various interventions, including conversion of fossil fuel vehicles to CNG free of charge for many commercial drivers.

11According to him”, The original motive of the Task Force was to sanitise the system against some unscrupulous elements who are out to short change the people notwithstanding the harsh economy. How can one explain getting 25 litres of fuel instead of 30 litres; it is not acceptable and IPMAN should diligently approach  the Task Force to confirm the number and names of its members that have been apprehended for this infraction instead of threatening fire and brimstone without recourse to reality and good intention of the government in the State”.