Femi Falana is concerned about the negative consequences of the Dangote Refinery dispute, saying it sends a hazardous signal to investors about Nigeria.
“Well, I’ve relished the inter-class feud, which you could term a dog-eat-dog thing. But it’s at the expense of the country, and we can’t keep doing it,” Falana said on Tuesday’s broadcast of Channels Television’s *Politics Today.
"The government cannot go around the world seeking foreign investment only to be accused of damaging domestic investment. “It is harmful to the country.”
Nigerian regulatory officials accused Dangote Refinery of producing substandard petroleum products, which the business has denied.
Aliko Dangote, the Chairman of the Dangote Group, had also delayed plans for steel sector investment due to monopoly claims against him.
However, Falana dismissed the monopoly allegation as foolish.
"It is so shameful that we are telling the entire world that the Nigerian government is incapable of managing its affairs. “That one person monopolizes trade in our country,” he stated.
“What is the purpose of the government?” Its goal is to prevent any monopolistic control over any business in Nigeria. What do you call a monopoly?
"What happens if you accept the destruction of your refineries? Someone now decides to build a refinery, which is a monopoly. “There is nothing you can do.”
“You must now stop this stupid, very puerile debate that someone wants a monopoly,” he added, urging the government to work on repairing the country’s refineries.
“Is it not the government’s business? That is why the Federal Consumer Protection Commission exists to deal with anyone who wishes to maintain a monopoly in the country’s commercial sector. The administration must return to the drawing board.”
Falana urged the government to collaborate with Dangote Refinery and support its activities.
“If a plant is expected to employ 500,000 people, primarily young people, the government should strive to embrace that enterprise and see what can be done,” he stated.