Dangote Opens Up on $20 Billion Refinery Challenges: ‘I Went Through Hell’
Africa’s richest man and Dangote Group president, Aliko Dangote, has revealed the immense struggles he endured while building his $20 billion oil refinery in Lagos, describing the process as one that put him “through hell.”
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Dangote detailed the daunting challenges that accompanied the construction of what is now Africa’s largest single-train refinery. The project, expected to transform Nigeria’s downstream oil sector, faced severe obstacles, including logistical difficulties, funding constraints, and technical complexities.
The refinery began producing diesel and jet fuel early last year, with gasoline production commencing in September. However, Dangote now faces competition from the Nigerian government, which has invested over $25 billion in revamping state-owned refineries, some of which have recently resumed limited fuel production.
Expressing his frustration over perceptions of monopoly, Dangote stated, “I am happy that they have started because at least I will not be called a monopolist, which is very unfair.” He also dismissed claims that he prevented others from entering the refining sector, emphasizing, “I did not stop [other] refineries from being built. I went through hell to build my own.”
Despite the obstacles, Dangote’s refinery remains a landmark achievement, positioned to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel and strengthen the country’s energy security.
