By Comfort Olayinka
The House of Representatives, led by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, visited the Dangote refinery and Petrochemicals Company in Lagos on Saturday as part of a familiarization tour.
The visit, hosted by the Dangote Group, was originally scheduled for June 3, 2024, in conjunction with the Senate leadership. However, the visit was postponed due to a strike by organized labor at the time.
The Senate leadership has since conducted a separate visit, while the House leadership arrived in Lagos on Friday for their own tour. During the visit, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, showed the delegation around the facility.
Speaker Abbas emphasized that the tour was part of the House’s ongoing efforts to engage with and support key industries driving the nation’s economy. He noted that the familiarization visit was an important step in understanding the inner workings of the refinery and petrochemicals company.
The visit highlights the importance of collaboration between the legislative and private sectors in promoting economic growth and development in the country.
“This familiarization tour underscores our commitment to engaging with and supporting critical sectors that drive our economy. Also, this visit provides valuable insights that will inform our legislative measures and decisions.
“We remain dedicated to fostering an environment conducive to economic growth and development, ensuring that our legislative actions align with the broader goals of national progress as articulated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
He said, “We are acutely aware of the challenges facing the private sector in Nigeria, including regulatory hurdles, infrastructure deficits, and access to finance. The House of Representatives is committed to addressing these issues and improving the ease of doing business in our country.
“We are working diligently to create a more business-friendly environment through legislative reforms that streamline processes, reduce bureaucracy, and enhance transparency. Our goal is to make Nigeria an attractive destination for both local and international investors.
“In line with the renewed agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly and the House of Representatives are committed to creating an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive. We understand that a robust partnership between the government and private enterprises like Dangote Group is essential for sustainable development. To this end, we are dedicated to enacting policies that support business growth, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and promote transparency and accountability.”
While recognizing the importance of engaging with industry leaders to understand their challenges and collaboratively develop solutions, the Speaker urged Dangote “to maintain an open line of communication with the National Assembly and the House leadership. Constructive dialogue will ensure that we can address any operational challenges swiftly and foster an environment conducive to optimal economic growth.”
“Together, we can drive Nigeria forward, harnessing the full potential of our resources and talents. I look forward to continued collaboration and a prosperous future for our great nation.”
He said the Dangote refinery “symbolizes not only the strength and potential of the Nigerian industry but also the dedication and vision of one of our most esteemed business leaders, Mr. Aliko Dangote.
“As we tour this state-of-the-art facility, it is impossible not to appreciate the significant contributions that Dangote Group is making to our economy. From job creation to the reduction of our import dependence, the refinery stands as a testament to the transformative impact that strategic investments can have on our nation. It provides thousands of jobs, promotes local content, and drives technological advancements within our borders. Such efforts are crucial in our collective pursuit of economic stability and growth.
“The economic significance of the private sector globally cannot be overstated. Across the world, private enterprises are the engines of economic growth, driving innovation, increasing productivity, and fostering competitive markets. They play a critical role in wealth creation, poverty reduction, and the overall improvement of living standards.
