MAN Calls for Caution Over Unconfirmed Allegations on Dangote Refinery

• Urges agencies to promote conducive business environment for local investments to thrive

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has expressed concern over recent allegations of poor-quality diesel products from the Dangote Refinery, which have been debunked.

Director General, MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir,mni has cautioned on the need for regulatory agencies to promote a conducive business environment for local investments like the Dangote Refinery to thrive in the country.

Ajayi-Kadir highlighted that local investors such as Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), play a vital role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and fostering development and urged regulatory agencies to protect and support these investors, rather than casting a negative shadow over them.

According to the DG MAN, the Dangote Refinery, a significant investment in Africa, has been unfairly targeted with allegations of poor-quality products, monopolistic tendencies, and non-issuance of licenses.

The Association stressed that these claims have been discredited and calls for clarification to absolve the refinery of negative perceptions.

DG MAN harped on the importance of supporting local investors like Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who has diverse investments across Africa.

Ajayi-Kadir stated further that the Dangote Refinery deserves government protection and support, as it will reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products, reduce energy poverty, and boost energy sufficiency.

According to the Association, local investors are drivers of economic growth and champions of national development and called on the government to prioritize protecting local investors and improve the operating environment for manufacturers to thrive.

The Association also itemized the challenges facing the manufacturing sector to include high electricity costs, regulatory compliance costs, lack of financing, unfavorable foreign exchange, and unfair competition from imported products and called on the government to address these constraints to enhance the competitiveness of local industries and contribute to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth.

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria urged regulatory agencies to support local investments like the Dangote Refinery, rather than casting a negative shadow over them and for the government to prioritize protecting local investors, improve the operating environment, and address binding constraints to enhance the competitiveness of local industries.