Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, extended his congratulations to business magnate Alhaji Aliko Dangote for the successful commencement of petroleum motor spirit (PMS) production at the Dangote Refinery.
Abubakar commended Dangote’s resilience and relentless spirit, emphasizing that this achievement symbolizes not just the business prowess of the billionaire entrepreneur but also the potential for corporate Nigeria to play a pivotal role in revitalizing the nation’s economy. He reiterated his long-standing advocacy for a more substantial private sector presence in Nigeria’s economic landscape, particularly in strategic areas of development.
Acknowledging the challenges that Dangote faced to reach this milestone, Abubakar underscored the importance of a supportive regulatory environment to boost private sector investment. He criticized the current government’s handling of economic reforms, stating that ineffective initiatives have weakened investor confidence and hindered economic growth.
Looking ahead, Abubakar expressed hope for further progress toward energy self-sufficiency in Nigeria, urging Dangote to continue his support and leadership in this vital journey. The remarks were made from Abuja on September 5, 2024.