The governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele has stated that Dangote Refinery is set to create at least 135,000 permanent jobs.
AmBusiness reported that he said this while speaking at the Dangote Petroleum Inauguration ceremony which held on Monday, in Lagos State.
According to Emefiele: “This project is a blessing to Nigeria and Africa as a whole as it will provide nothing less than 135,000 permanent jobs in Nigeria as well as 12,000megawatts of electricity.
He praised Aliko Dangote and his team for their tenacity to complete the project despite all the challenges faced. He also celebrated The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.) for showing vision, leadership, and support towards the project, stating that this project was completed during his tenure.
He added that Buhari was the first Chairman of NNPC when it was established in 1997 and he lead them to where they are today. “Serving as the Federal Commissioner of Petroleum Resources, Buhari completed and commissioned the Warri refinery in 1978 while significantly improving Kaduna Refinery.”
According to the CBN governor, this project wil save the country many expenditures because petroleum imports rate could reach as much as $30bn by 2027 thereby endagering foreign exchange savings.
Emefiele also praised the CBN for its support, adding that it provided over N125bn to cover domestic currency requirements as well as ensuring the availability of foreign exchange to pay for the importation of equipment.
Emefiele noted that foreigners and friends doubted the fruition of this project but he is glad he is finally part of history being made in Nigeria.
He said: “Today, history is being re-written as Nigeria’s trajectory for great growth is enhanced as we launch the biggest refinery alongside petrochemical plant in Africa.”
