African Union Representative Mohammed Chambas said Dangote Refinery would propel Africa out of poverty.

A statement on Monday by Dangote Group spokesperson Anthony Chiejina, said Chambas, who is the Chairman of the African Union High-Level Panel on Sudan, made his assertion during his visit to the Dangote Refinery in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State, over the weekend.

Chambas emphasised that the Dangote Group is leading the way for the private sector in Africa.

“I believe these are the types of transformational projects that would propel Africa out of poverty. Projects like the Dangote Refinery create jobs, have a multiplier effect on the national and regional economies, and provide cheaper and more reliable fuel for transportation, agriculture, and industries. In short, they lubricate the real economy. The Dangote Group is leading the way for the private sector in Africa, which has a pivotal role to play in the fight against poverty and in creating opportunities for the youth. This is a veritable pathway to silencing the guns,” he stated.

The former president of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, commended Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the President of Dangote Group, for his “business acumen, courage, tenacity, and vision matched with action” in successfully driving such a mega project to completion.

Chambas also lauded President Bola Tinubu for ensuring a consistent supply of crude oil to the Dangote Refinery.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to salute President Bola Tinubu for his bold and forthright decision to ensure the provision of regular and dependable supplies of Nigerian crude oil to the Dangote Refinery.

“As a successful entrepreneur in his own right with a proud record of success in the private sector in the past, Tinubu understands the challenges,” he said.

This comes as the 650,000 barrels per day refinery began distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) on September 15, 2024.