Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, recently addressed comments made by Nigerian businessman Alhaji Aliko Dangote regarding the acquisition of land for his refinery in Lagos. Dangote’s revelations came during a discussion about business monopolies, where he clarified the financial transactions involved in establishing his refinery.
In a video that has gone viral, Dangote emphasized that the land for the refinery in Lagos was not obtained freely. He disclosed that he paid $100 million to the Lagos State government for the land, refuting any claims of receiving incentives from either the Federal Government of Nigeria or the Lagos State government. Dangote was clear in his statement that no preferential treatment was given.
Dangote’s exact words were, “In the refinery, we did not, and I repeat, we did not collect one single incentive from the Federal Government of Nigeria or even Lagos State. Yes, the Lagos State gave us a good deal, but we paid $100 million for the land. It wasn’t free land; we paid for it.”
Following this revelation, Bayo Onanuga took to his official X handle to respond. He underscored the importance of the refinery’s success in his brief but pointed reaction.
The refinery, being one of the largest in Africa, is seen as a cornerstone for reducing Nigeria’s dependency on imported refined petroleum products. Its success is not just a personal triumph for Dangote but a vital element for national economic stability and growth.