Social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, has made sensational claims about President Bola Tinubu’s administration, alleging that it has left Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, in tears due to ongoing issues with his $20 billion refinery project. The refinery, located at the Lekki Free Trade Zone, has faced significant hurdles that VeryDarkMan asserts have deeply distressed Dangote.
VeryDarkMan’s remarks come in the wake of Dangote’s recent comments about the lack of governmental incentives for his ambitious refinery project. During a meeting with the House of Representatives, led by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Dangote revealed that he purchased the land for the refinery for a staggering $100 million. He also criticized the Nigerian government for what he described as obstructive regulations that have hampered the refinery’s operations.
In his video reaction, VeryDarkMan voiced frustration over the government’s handling of the situation. “Tinubu’s regime brought Africa’s richest man, Dangote, close to tears during an interview,” VeryDarkMan said. “The economy is so strained that Dangote reflected on when his friend warned him against investing in Nigeria. He disclosed that the refinery’s land cost $100 million. Why wasn’t he informed about the lack of crude oil supplies while building the refinery? Afterward, he was told that there was no crude oil available from major sources like Delta, Edo, Imo, Akwa Ibom, and others.”
VeryDarkMan further criticized the administration for allegedly obstructing Dangote’s efforts to source crude oil from Brazil and questioned whether the funds used for the refinery were truly Dangote’s personal finances or if they included public funds.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it highlights the significant challenges facing large-scale infrastructure projects in Nigeria and the complex interplay between private investments and governmental policies.
