Lafarge Instigated Some Locals To Say The Aliko Cement Factory Land Is Theirs; Aliko Paid $12M – OBJ

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed how French company Lafarge allegedly created difficulties for Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote when he was establishing his cement factory in Senegal.

In a video shared by The Cable, Obasanjo made this known during the inauguration of Dangote’s refinery in Kenya, where he recalled how he supported the businessman in expanding his cement production business across Africa.

According to the former president, Lafarge allegedly put several obstacles in Dangote’s way because the company did not want him to succeed in cement production on the continent.

Obasanjo described Dangote’s experience in Senegal as particularly difficult. He explained that after Dangote completed his five-million-tonne cement factory, he was unable to begin operations for two years because some local residents, allegedly encouraged by Lafarge, claimed ownership of the land on which the factory was built.

The dispute was taken to court, where Dangote eventually won the case. However, despite winning, he reportedly had to pay $12 million before he could begin operating the factory, two years after its completion.

Obasanjo also recalled that he personally accompanied Dangote to meet the authorities in Senegal to secure support for the project.

He added that Lafarge, which allegedly tried to prevent Dangote from producing cement in Africa, has since left the continent.

In his words, “Aliko completed the 5 million tonnes cement project in Senegal; for two years he couldn’t do anything. Lafarge instigated some local people and said the land on which he built his cement factory is their land; they went to court, and Aliko won. And Aliko had to pay 12 million dollars to be able to operate his cement factory.”

COURTESY: Ukamasati