The President and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Refinery, Aliko Dangote, has dismissed the viability of the Ajaokuta Steel Company, insisting it cannot function.
Speaking with newsmen, Dangote stressed that no nation can thrive without a steel industry, but maintained that Ajaokuta cannot deliver on that role.
He said, “There is no nation that you can build without a steel industry and honestly within us here, Ajaokuta Steel Company will not work. We can keep deceiving ourselves and keep being passionate about it, but it’s not possible.”
Drawing comparisons, he added: “It’s like you now, if you remember those vehicles we used to produce for Volkswagen, Igala. If you bring Igala now, will you compare it with the current Kia? No. Things have changed.”
Dangote recounted his recent experience in Italy, saying: “I was waiting for my driver in Italy and we didn’t see him on Tuesday and my assistant called an Uber going to a restaurant. The guy was nice to us and gave us mint but I said no thank you. I said this vehicle is nice and he said no it’s Tesla electric and our electricity is very expensive here. I said what does it cost you? He said about €20 to fully charge to run 500km.”
According to him, the world has moved on and Nigeria must adapt: “Things have changed and all of us have to keep changing or you will become archaic, it’s like you going to the grave yards to try being a dead person or you go hospital to bring somebody from his dying bed to run 100 meters, it’s impossible.”
Dangote also took a swipe at Nigerians’ travel habits: “I love Nigerians because it’s only Nigerians who would rush to the airport without having a confirmed booking and he would make much noise.”
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