Omokri Urges Nigerians to Support Dangote Refinery, Says Project Strengthens Naira

Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has called on Nigerians to rally behind the Dangote Refinery project, describing it as a national asset capable of boosting the naira and transforming the nation’s economy.

Omokri made the appeal on Friday during a tour of the $25 billion refinery located within the Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos. He said the success of the refinery would not only benefit its owner, Aliko Dangote, but all Nigerians through improved foreign exchange earnings and reduced import dependence.

“Nigerians should be proud of what is happening here. This refinery is not just Dangote’s investment it’s a national treasure. Its exports will help stabilise the naira and strengthen our economy,” he stated.

Warning against any attempts to sabotage the project, Omokri said such actions could further weaken the nation’s currency. He urged citizens, labour unions, and government institutions to collectively support the refinery’s operations.

Accompanied by the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Dakolo, Omokri hailed the facility as the largest single-train refinery in the world, second only to a similar complex in Saudi Arabia.

“This is not just an up-to-date facility, it’s an up-to-tomorrow facility,” Omokri remarked, noting that the refinery generates its own power and contributes significantly to the national grid.

“This plant produces 500 megawatts of electricity, while the adjoining fertiliser plant generates another 150 megawatts that’s 10 percent of Nigeria’s total power output. This is why we must all support this initiative,” he added.

Commending Aliko Dangote for his patriotism and entrepreneurial vision, Omokri also praised President Bola Tinubu for his foresight in conceptualising the Lekki Free Trade Zone during his tenure as Lagos State governor.

He revealed that within its first year of operation, the refinery had loaded over 650 ships with petroleum products for export, helping Nigeria transition from being Africa’s largest petrol importer to the leading exporter of refined petroleum in West Africa.

“The naira in your pocket will keep losing value if we continue to rely on imports. Every ship that leaves this facility strengthens our currency,” he said.

Omokri disclosed that Nigeria recorded a trade surplus of $14 billion last year and projected an increase of over 44 percent in 2025, largely due to the refinery’s operations and other economic reforms of the Tinubu administration.

He urged Nigerians to embrace homegrown products and services, stressing that buying “Made-in-Nigeria” goods would create jobs and build a sustainable economy.

“My message to Nigerians is simple let’s buy Nigerian and use fuel refined in Nigeria. That’s how we build our economy,” Omokri said, commending the refinery for employing young Nigerians, including many women, in its technical and maintenance teams.