By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
The leadership of the House of Representatives, led by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., paid a familiarisation tour to the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Company in Lagos on Saturday.
The familiarisation visit, which was at the invitation of the Dangote Group, was initially planned to take place jointly with the leadership of the Senate on June 3, 2024.
However, the leadership of the National Assembly had to put the visit on hold to meet with the leadership of the organised labour on the strike it embarked on at the time.
The Senate leadership has since embarked on the visit separately, while the House leadership has slated July 20 for its own.
The House leadership arrived in Lagos on Friday ahead of the familiarisation visit. Speaking when the leadership was conducted around the facility by the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Speaker Abbas noted that the tour was part of the continuous efforts to understand and support key industries within our nation’s economy.
“The purpose of this visit is to provide the House Leadership and the relevant oil and gas committees with an in-depth understanding of the nature, scope, and activities of the Dangote Refinery. This initiative aligns with our legislative agenda, which aims to support the President’s Renewed Hope agenda, focusing on economic transformation, growth, and development.
“This familiarisation tour underscores our commitment to engaging with and supporting critical sectors that drive our economy. Also, this visit provides valuable insights that will inform our legislative measures and decisions.
“We remain dedicated to fostering an environment conducive to economic growth and development, ensuring that our legislative actions align with the broader goals of national progress as articulated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
He said, “We are acutely aware of the challenges facing the private sector in Nigeria, including regulatory hurdles, infrastructure deficits, and access to finance. The House of Representatives is committed to addressing these issues and improving the ease of doing business in our country.
“We are working diligently to create a more business-friendly environment through legislative reforms that streamline processes, reduce bureaucracy, and enhance transparency. Our goal is to make Nigeria an attractive destination for both local and international investors.
“Together, we can drive Nigeria forward, harnessing the full potential of our resources and talents. I look forward to continued collaboration and a prosperous future for our great nation.”
He said the Dangote refinery “symbolizes not only the strength and potential of Nigerian industry but also the dedication and vision of one of our most esteemed business leaders, Mr. Aliko Dangote.
“However, the journey does not end here. There is always more we can do together to bolster our economy. I encourage Dangote Group to continue exploring avenues to complement government initiatives. By investing in renewable energy, enhancing corporate social responsibility programs, and fostering innovation through research and development, Dangote can further solidify its role as a key player in our economic landscape.”
The Speaker was in company of the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu; House Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere; Chief Whip, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo; Deputy House Leader, Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims; Deputy Whip, Hon. Adewumi Onanuga; Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda; Minority Whip, Hon. Ali Isa; Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Aliyu Sani Madaki, and Deputy Minority Whip, Hon. George Ozodinobi.
Also in the delegation were the chairmen of relevant oil and gas committees and their deputies.