Why Africa Still Imports Substandard Fuel – Dangote Speaks Out

Africa has become a dumping ground for substandard petroleum products due to its overdependence on imported fuel, according to Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Industries Limited.

In a recent interview with journalists, Dangote expressed deep concern about the continent’s energy vulnerability.

He noted that, aside from Algeria and Libya, most African nations rely heavily on imported fuel, despite being rich in crude oil reserves.

“Virtually every other African country is an importer,” he stated. “It’s ironic that we export crude oil and then import low-quality refined products.”

Dangote said this reality was a key motivation behind the decision to build the multibillion-dollar Dangote Refinery.

He revealed that many had doubted the project’s success and even advised him to abandon it. However, his team remained committed despite immense challenges.

“People think building a refinery is like building a house,” he explained. “If I had known the scale of the difficulties, I might not have started. But we believed in the vision.”

He said the refinery was designed not just to meet Nigeria’s needs but to inspire energy independence across Africa.

“We pushed through because we wanted to deliver something transformational. This refinery will help reduce the continent’s reliance on fuel imports.”

Dangote also used the opportunity to call on wealthy Nigerians to invest locally.

He emphasized that national development depends on significant domestic investment, not just government action.

“No nation develops without serious local investment,” he declared.

“It’s time for the elite to channel their wealth into projects that benefit the Nigerian people.”

He criticized the common practice of hiding stolen funds in foreign accounts.

“Even in countries with corruption, stolen money still circulates in the local economy.

In Nigeria, it sits idle abroad, doing nothing for our people.”

Dangote concluded by stressing that Africa needs bold, transformative initiatives to address its socio-economic problems.

“We must create jobs and build infrastructure. This is how we will secure the future for our children.”

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