The Chairman of Geregu Power Plc, Femi Otedola, has commended the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, over the commencement of petrol production by the latter’s refinery in Lagos State.

Dangote had in a live broadcast on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, announced that the Dangote Oil Refinery and Petrochemicals in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos has commenced petrol production.

Speaking on the development via a statement on Tuesday, Otedola said the Dangote refinery has set Nigeria free from the chains of economic dependence, which he said have held the country back.

The billionaire businessman stated: “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. The days of bowing to foreign powers for our fuel needs are over, thanks to your vision and determination.

“You have dealt a death blow to the so-called local cabals who have fattened themselves for years, feeding off our nation’s economic slavery. These cabals, who have grown rich by keeping Nigeria in a perpetual state of dependence, must now face the reality that their era of easy gains is coming to an end.

“I am reminded of the time you revolutionized the cement industry in Nigeria. Ships that once brought in cement turned into rusting relics, scraps of a bygone era. Now, with your refinery in full swing, I foresee a similar fate for fuel imports.

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“The depot owners should take heed – it’s time to dismantle those depots and sell them as scraps while the market is still high. The world has changed, and those who do not adapt will be left behind.

“When I ventured into the depot business with Zenon, it was in response to the inefficiencies of the NNPC. Zenon pioneered the diesel business in Nigeria and quickly became the largest in the country, filling the gaps left by our inefficient system. But today, your refinery stands as a beacon of what is possible when one has the audacity to dream and the tenacity to see it through.”

Otedola further commended President Bola Tinubu for his “unwavering support and belief in actualizing this monumental achievement under his administration”.

“This day belongs to every Nigerian who has dared to dream of a better future. Congratulations to our great nation – today, we all stand a little taller,” Otedola added.

The Star