Lagos
State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday said the largest single line
refinery in the world being developed at the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) by
Africa's richest man and business mogul, Alhaji Aliko Dangote is another confirmation
that Lagos is a prime investment destination, saying that the project will
positively change the face of oil and gas business in the West African region.
Governor
Ambode, who spoke at the LFTZ during an extensive inspection tour of the
Dangote Refinery by the Togolese President, Mr Faure Gnassingbe, said the
refinery eloquently attests to the fact that there is a positive investment
climate in Lagos which has resulted in massive investor
confidence.
The
Governor said: "This investment (Dangote Refinery) is one of the biggest
in Africa today and will have a huge impact on the economy of not only Nigeria
but the whole of West African region.
"This
refinery, when completed, will be the largest single line refinery anywhere in
the world refining 650,000 barrels of crude oil daily.
"Apart
from creating jobs, this refinery will contribute immensely to solving the fuel
supply challenge in the West African region," Governor Ambode said.
The
Governor expressed satisfaction with the level of work done on the project so
far, saying that he was happy that a lot of progress had been made.
He
commended Dangote for his vision, doggedness and unwavering desire to
contribute positively to the growth of the Nigerian economy, as well as his
confidence in the Lagos economy.
Governor
Ambode said aside the fact that the project confirmed the positive investment
climate in Lagos which has resulted in massive investor confidence, he also
strongly believes that the future prosperity of West Africa is in collaboration
between government and investors, which was why his administration has been
working hard to encourage investment in the State.
He
reiterated that Lagos is home to all nations, races and creeds, including
substantial Togolese population, adding: "I'm positive that we are
providing them with the opportunities to get ahead in their endeavors."
Governor
Ambode said as a prominent Head of State in the West African region, he was not
oblivious of the interest of President Gnassingbe in the Dangote Refinery, adding
that the project was one of the emerging opportunities in Lagos State.
While
inviting Togolese investors to take advantage of the positive investment
climate in Lagos, Governor Ambode said the State is open for businesses, and
that his administration, in a bid to encourage investment, had massively
invested in infrastructure and security of lives and property.
"Lagos
is open for business. We are open to collaboration with the Togolese Government
and investors to move our two countries forward.
"Our
government is investing massively in creating infrastructure which will support
businesses and individuals. We have made huge investment in security and we
will continue to ensure that the lives and property of all citizens are
secured.
"We
will remain partner in progress with all our investors. Our desire is for
investors to invest in Lagos, grow their businesses, create wealth and jobs for
our people and ultimately grow our Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
positively," Governor Ambode said.
Earlier,
Nigeria's Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Okechukwu Enelamah
said the Dangote Refinery project could best be described as a partnership
between private sector and government at its best.
Enelamah
commended Dangote for being not only Nigerian champion but champion of Africa
with his massive investments and re-investments, which according to him, are
creating jobs and growing the economy.
"We
need champions and Dangote is a Nigerian champion; he is an African champion;
he is also a role model.
"We
need many examples and with the repositioning that the Federal Government is
doing, we are going to see many more examples," Enelamah said.
On
his part, Dangote commended President Gnassingbe for finding out time to
inspect the refinery, adding that he was happy with the interest and
encouragement being received over the project.
Apart
from the refinery, there is also petrochemical, fertilizer and gas plant with
daily production capacity of three billion cubic feet of gas which are being
developed by the Dangote Group, all in one location.
Some
eminent dignitaries that participated at the tour include former governors of
Ogun, Ekiti and Cross River States, Segun Osoba, Niyi Adebayo and Donald Duke
respectively; billionaire businessman and Chairman, Zenon Petroleum and Gas
Limited, Femi Otedola, members of the Lagos State Executive Council, among
others.
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