Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote has sent a strong message to people seeking to disrupt his planned investment in Kenya, saying he is ready to face challenges and legal action.
Dangote spoke on Wednesday, September 30, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Sh2 trillion Dangote East Africa Petroleum Refinery in Lamu County.
The businessman said he was not surprised by opposition to a project of such size, noting that major investments often face challenges before they are completed.
“Anybody who wants to cause trouble, we are ready for his trouble and will give him a headache,” Dangote said.
His remarks came after 133 Lamu residents moved to court over land linked to the proposed refinery. The residents are challenging activities on disputed portions of land, with the case set for further hearing in October.
Despite the legal dispute, the groundbreaking ceremony went ahead as planned. Construction of the refinery has now officially started, with completion targeted for 2030.
The refinery is expected to process up to 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Dangote has said the facility will help reduce East Africa’s dependence on imported petroleum products and support wider industrial development.
President William Ruto has strongly backed the project and told Dangote that the government would not allow people to extort or blackmail investors over the refinery.
Ruto said the government would support the investment while ensuring that Kenyans also benefit from it. He has previously announced that the government will take a stake in the refinery and that Kenyans will have an opportunity to buy shares through the Nairobi Securities Exchange.
Dangote has also announced plans to establish a training school in Lamu that will prepare 1,000 local residents for opportunities linked to the project. Engineering graduates, diploma holders and other qualified residents are expected to benefit from the programme.
With construction now underway, attention will turn to the progress of the refinery, the ongoing court case and how local residents will benefit from the investment.