Investing in Nigeria wasn’t a mistake – Obi tells Dangote amid regulatory bottlenecks

Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023 has said the president of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote did the right thing by investing in Nigeria.

Obi’s statement comes on the heels of media reports that one of Dangote’s wealthy friends, who had initially discouraged him from investing in Nigeria, is mocking him due to the challenges facing his business operations.

“You did the right thing by investing in the productivity, growth, development and progress of our beloved nation, through your many business ventures, irrespective of the challenges and obstacles that now stand in your way, Obi said on his X handle Monday.

The former governor of Anambra state stated that Dangote, Africa’s richest man is capable of overcoming the setbacks to his businesses, adding that serving humanity comes with its challenges.

Obi, chronicling his fair share of challenges since he joined public service, said he had “lost more” than when he was in the private sector.

“From all my savings from abroad which I brought back home, to the businesses I started in Nigeria which were either run aground or taken over by those entrusted with their management, I endured them all.

“Till today, I still face similar challenges where most times one is either being harassed by the government or the same system meant to protect you,” Obi lamented.

The former governor however encouraged the Dangote refinery owner to remain unshaken by the setbacks, assuring him of a “glorious dawn” in the end.

“I encourage you to remain resilient in the face of the present challenges, not for material gains, but for the development and progress of the nation and a better humanity,” he said.

Dangote, in an interview, had said he invested in the $20 billion refinery to help solve fuel importation issues in the country, wondering why some people were working against him.

“Four years ago, one of my very wealthy friends began to invest his money abroad. I disagreed with him and urged him to rethink his actions in the interest of his country.

“He blamed his action on policy inconsistencies and shenanigans of interest groups. “That friend has been taunting me in the past few days, saying he warned me and that he has been proven right.”