Dangote Said Refineries Will Never Work, He Built A Refinery And Dominated The Sector"

Shehu Sani, a notable human rights activist and former senator from Kaduna Central, has offered an insightful critique of tycoon Aliko Dangote’s ideology. Sani reflected on Dangote’s remark that refineries wouldn’t work in Nigeria in an official X (formerly Twitter) post, noting that Dangote went on to construct his own refinery, which currently dominates the sector.

“When Dangote said Refineries will never work, he built a refinery and dominated the sector,” Sani said. In order to show that it is possible to succeed despite doubt, Sani utilised this paradox. He made a point of saying that Dangote proved himself incorrect via ingenuity and action, even though he had before doubted refineries. Ajaokuta Steel Company was the target of Dangote’s recent scepticism.

In an interview, he made the case that the project has little chance of success due to antiquated technologies and ongoing structural problems. Dangote voiced his scepticism on Ajaokuta’s potential in today’s industrial scene, however he did recognise the vital importance of a working steel sector in national growth.

Shehu Sani responded by pointing out the irony, implying that Ajaokuta may also be successful if Dangote, who had previously claimed that refineries couldn’t operate, could make them work. He continued by injecting a comical spin:

Now he is saying Ajaokuta Steel Company will never work… the day he says Nigeria will never work…?”

Using Dangote’s personal journey to highlight the improbable character of growth and the strength of resolve—even in apparently hopeless situations—Sani’s remark functions as both criticism and inspiration.