Refinery: “If I Knew What I Was Going to Go Through, I Wouldn’t Have Tried It” — Aliko

According to a report by Punch on Friday, August 22, 2025, Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has opened up about the immense struggles he faced while building the $20 billion Dangote Refinery, admitting that had he foreseen the challenges, he might not have embarked on the project.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Dangote revealed that the journey to making the refinery operational was fraught with setbacks, ranging from infrastructural deficiencies to policy inconsistencies.

“If I knew what I was going to go through, I wouldn’t have tried it,” Dangote confessed, reflecting on the difficulties encountered during the construction of one of the world’s largest refineries.

The refinery, which has now placed Nigeria among the ranks of petroleum product exporters for the first time in 30 years, faced numerous hurdles, including delays, cost escalations, and lack of external support. Dangote disclosed that his company had to self-provide key services, including electricity, road networks, and water supply, because there were no reliable public provisions.

Despite these challenges, Dangote’s vision for transforming Nigeria’s oil and gas sector kept him committed. Today, the refinery is a game-changer, reducing the nation’s dependence on imported refined products and paving the way for economic diversification.

Responding to criticisms of monopolistic practices, Dangote dismissed allegations of preferential treatment, stressing that his success was based on strategic investments rather than political influence.

Vice President of Dangote Industries, Devakumar Edwin, added that the refinery’s operational capacity would contribute to GDP growth by shifting Nigeria from exporting raw crude to exporting refined products, thereby adding greater economic value.

Dangote’s reflection stresses the resilience required to execute massive projects in challenging business environments like Nigeria’s. While acknowledging the difficulties, he described the refinery’s success as a testament to determination and perseverance.

“Sometimes, success comes at a price, and you must be ready to pay it,” Dangote concluded.

COURTESY: PrayerMedia