By Our Reporter
Following the news that Dangote Refinery will commence the production of refined Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol, in the country, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, who hailed the decision said that it resonates with his belief in having a strong private sector participation in the Nigeria economy.
Atiku lauded the resilience of the Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and his commitment to his fatherland, his tenacity, and his demonstration of the ‘can do’ spirit despite obstacles in his path.
In a statement the former Vice President issued in Abuja on Thursday, while responding to the news of the commencement of the production of refined petrol by Dangote Refinery, he branded himself as an unrepentant advocate of the private sector involvement in the Nigerian economy.
“This resonates with my dream of having an enlarged private sector presence in the Nigerian economy. I am an unrepentant advocate for a strong and visible participation of the private sector in strategic sectors of the economy, either alone or in partnership with the state.
Atiku said, “Let me congratulate and appreciate the efforts of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, as the Dangote Refinery begins production of PMS. It demonstrates his tenacity and ‘can do’ spirit and his belief in his fatherland.
“This remarkable accomplishment is beyond a demonstration of the business acumen of just one man. It is also a manifestation of what corporate Nigeria can do to recover the Nigerian economy and make it strong, dynamic, and resilient.
“Nigerians are aware of the many obstacles Aliko had to overcome to achieve this win. If the private sector must step forward to invest, create jobs, and drive growth, the government must roll out more supportive regulations and deliver them efficiently.
“The worst damage done by the APC-led government since 2015 is to unleash difficult-to-implement-and-sustain ‘reform’ initiatives that erode private sector confidence in our economy and drive investors away from our shores.
“There are a few major milestones ahead as Nigeria journeys toward attaining energy self-sufficiency. I hope Aliko will continue to lend his unwavering support on this journey”, Atiku concluded.