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 by Alhaji Aliko Dangote will change the face of oil and gas business in the West African region.
Governor Ambode, said this at the LFTZ during an extensive inspection tour of the Dangote Refinery by the Togolese President, Mr Faure Gnassingbe.
Ambode said the refinery eloquently attests to the fact that there is a positive investment climate in Lagos which has resulted in massive investor confidence, confirmation that Lagos is a prime investment destination.
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.”
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.
PUNCH NG
