Billionaire businessman Femi Otedola has expressed strong support for Aliko Dangote, chairman of Dangote Industries Limited, amidst a dispute with oil sector regulators. Otedola praised Dangote’s contributions to Nigeria’s economy, highlighting his massive investments in various sectors, including cement, sugar, fertilizer, and refining.
Otedola noted that Dangote is the largest private sector employer of labor and one of the largest taxpayers in the country. He emphasized the importance of supporting local champions like Dangote, citing examples of government-backed business titans in other countries, such as the United States, India, and China.
Otedola’s statement comes after Dangote offered to sell his oil refinery to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, amidst a heated dispute with regulators. Otedola’s support for Dangote underscores the significance of fostering local industrialization and recognizing the contributions of visionary leaders in driving economic progress.