Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, has congratulated Aliko Dangote on the launch of petrol production from his refinery. In a statement on his Facebook page, Atiku praised Dangote’s tenacity and belief in Nigeria’s economy, saying the achievement demonstrates the potential of the private sector to drive growth and recovery.
However, Atiku also criticized the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government for its policies, which he claims have undermined private sector confidence in Nigeria’s economy. He argued that the government’s “reform” initiatives have been difficult to implement and sustain, eroding confidence and driving investors away.
Atiku expressed his support for a strong and visible private sector presence in strategic sectors of the economy, either alone or in partnership with the state. He hoped that Dangote would continue to lend his support to Nigeria’s journey toward achieving energy self-sufficiency.
The launch of petrol production from Dangote’s refinery has been hailed as a significant breakthrough for Nigeria, which has previously not produced any petrol for many years. Dangote described the milestone as a demonstration of his belief in Nigeria’s potential and his commitment to investing in the country’s economy.
Atiku’s statement highlights the importance of private sector investment in driving economic growth and recovery in Nigeria. He emphasized the need for supportive regulations and efficient implementation to encourage private sector participation in strategic sectors of the economy.
