How Amosun’s Complacency Cost Ogun State $19BN Dangote Refinery, Gov Abiodun Reveals

How Amosun’s Complacency Cost Ogun State $19BN Dangote Refinery, Gov Abiodun Reveals

  • The just-commissioned $19 billion Dangote Refinery has sparked a heated controversy in Ogun state
  • Governor Dapo Abiodun has revealed that Ogun state was supposed to be the home of the mega project
  • He disclosed that his predecessor, Sen Ibikunle Amosun, allowed his selfish interest to ruin the state's chance at the project

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Ogun, Abeokuta - Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state has rued the missed opportunity for the state to host the just-commissioned $19 billion Dangote Refinery.

As reported by The Nation, the governor stated that Ogun state was on the brink of hosting the mega project but lost it to Lagos state due to the complacent and selfish nature of his predecessor, Senator Ibunkunle Amosun.

Abiodun, Amosun, Dangote Refinery
Gov Dapo Abiodun, in a shocking revelation, said Ogun state was supposed to be the host of the Dangote Refinery. Photo Credit: Prince Dr Dapo Abiodun and Senator Ibikunle Amosun
Source: Facebook

He revealed that the project was proposed to be built at the Olokola Free Trade Zone, in Ogun's Waterside Local Government, noting that the administration of Amosun fumbled with the deal.

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As reported by Daily Trust, a statement issued by Kunle Somorin, Abiodun's chief press secretary, said:

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“Instead of showing enthusiasm towards hosting the project in the state, the former governor opposed and obstructed efforts of the Abiodun-led committee in ensuring that OKFTZ came into fruition.
“Having become governor in 2019, it is on record that Prince Abiodun has always rued the missed opportunity, and he has embarked on efforts in reawakening OKFTZ. At different forums, the governor has made it known that the Olokola project is a gold mine waiting to be tapped by the state."

The statement also confirmed that the administration of Governor Abiodun has not relented in shopping for investors to bring the plans for the Olokola Free Trade Zone into a reality.

He noted that the OKFTZ is looking at treading on investment opportunities in bitumen, deep natural seaport, and marine and natural gas for the development of the state.

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It was also gathered that Abiodun is still trying to woo business tycoon Aliko Dangote to reconsider Ogun state for future endeavours.

The statement reads:

“Even before Aliko Dangote declared on Monday at the inauguration of the refinery in Lagos that Ogun was the next port of call, Governor Abiodun is already wooing Dangote to reconsider the state."

Controversy trails alleged plans by Dangote Refinery to charge Nigeria in dollars for refined products

In another development, reports say that the Dangote Refinery will sell refined petroleum products to Nigeria in dollars.

A source disclosed that the refinery, a business concern, will not treat the country any differently from other customers.

But Godwin Emefiele, CBN governor, had said Nigeria would buy petroleum products from the refinery in naira.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Segun Adeyemi avatar

Segun Adeyemi (Current Affairs and Politics Editor) Segun Adeyemi is a journalist with over 9 years of experience as an active field reporter, editor, and editorial manager. He has had stints with Daily Trust newspaper, Daily Nigerian, and News Digest. He currently works as an editor for Legit.ng's current affairs and politics desk. He holds a degree in Mass Communication (Adekunle Ajasin University). He is a certified digital reporter by Reuters, AFP and the co-convener of the annual campus journalism awards. Email: segun.adeyemi@corp.legit.ng.