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The governors were Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Mallam Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq (Kwara), Prince Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Dr. Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Simon Lalong (Plateau) and Bala Muhammed (Bauchi), Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), while the governor of Cross Rivers State, Benedict Ayade was represented by his deputy, Ivara Esu. Speaking with the press after the tour, Fayemi said the tour was informed by the need to key into the Dangote’s vision and also learn about the progress of the projects. They pledged their support for the two projects, describing them as “growth energisers. “This is a pride to Africa not just Nigeria, I don’t know anywhere in Africa where where you find a complex such as this and I don’t think there are many places ariund the world where you find a complex that is as comprehensive and extensive as the one we have been privileged to tour, on all grounds this is a gigantic project”, Fayemi said. According to him, Dangote had inspired a new thinking and vision by embarking on the multi-billion dollar projects, noting that the petrochemical initiative has given hope to Nigerian citizens. The host governor, Sanwo-Olu, described the petrochemical facility as the “largest single construction site in the world”, adding that on completion the refinery would fortify Lagos economy and create irreversible economic growth for the nation. He assured that there would be smooth operation of the refinery whenever it fully takes off, noting that the facility, which is sited within a Free Trade Zone has created multi-national investments. He said: “It is massive development we are bringing to Ibeju-Lekki neighbourhood with the construction of Dangote Refinery and Lekki Deep Seaport. There will be new comprehensive infrastructure we are bringing to this area. We are closing-in on two different road projects out of the Free Zone. One will go to Epe and the other one goes to Ijebu Ode. We have just done two strong alignments and we are finalising them. There will be massive infrastructure development around this place sometimes next year. It’s going to be a new ecosystem we are building in this.” Responding, Dangote promised that his company would continue to invest in human capital and projects that would have direct impacts and create jobs for Nigerians. He appreciated members of the Forum for dedicating time to visit the petrochemical project sites. He said the gesture would inspire more investment and growth across the country. Fayemi, on behalf of the governors, presented an appreciation letter to Alhaji Aliko Dangote for building the multi-billion dollar projects.
