Falana Warns Dangote Refinery Dispute Poses Risk To Nigeria’s Investment Climate
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has expressed concern over the ongoing controversy involving Dangote Refinery, warning that it sends a perilous message to potential investors about Nigeria. Regulatory authorities accused the refinery of producing sub-standard petroleum products, a claim that Dangote Refinery denied.
In a recent appearance on Channels Television’s “Politics Today,” Falana remarked, “The inter-class feud or what you might call a dog-eat-dog affair is happening at the expense of the country, and we cannot continue like this. The government cannot go around the world asking for foreign investment only to be accused of destroying local investment. It is very dangerous for the country.”
Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, had also postponed plans for investment in the steel sector following accusations of monopolistic practices against him.
Falana criticized the monopoly claim as childish and embarrassing, stating, “It is so embarrassing that we are telling the whole world that the government of Nigeria is incapable of managing its affairs. If you have allowed your own refineries to be destroyed, what happens? Somebody now decides to have a refinery, that’s a monopoly. There is nothing you can do about it.”
He emphasized the government’s role in preventing monopolistic control, urging it to support local industries. “The purpose of the government is to checkmate any monopolistic control of any business in Nigeria. The government must go back to the drawing table,” Falana insisted.
Falana called on the government to collaborate with Dangote Refinery and support its operations. “If a factory is likely to employ 500,000 young people, the government must try and embrace that company and see what can be done,” he concluded.
