Lagos, Nigeria – Just days after Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, accused top local and international figures of attempting to sabotage the operations of his refinery, thick black smoke was seen billowing from the Dangote Refinery. The incident has raised concerns over the stability and security of the multi-billion-dollar project.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the smoke early Wednesday morning, prompting emergency response teams to the scene. While the cause of the smoke is yet to be determined, it has added fuel to the fire of Dangote’s recent claims of deliberate attempts to disrupt the refinery’s activities.
In a recent statement, Dangote pointed fingers at unnamed influential individuals and entities, alleging a coordinated effort to undermine the refinery’s operations. The refinery, which is poised to be one of the largest in the world, has faced numerous challenges since its inception, including delays and logistical hurdles.
Authorities have not yet commented on the incident, and it remains unclear if the smoke was the result of an accident or a deliberate act of sabotage. An investigation is expected to be launched to determine the cause of the smoke and to assess any potential damages.
The Dangote Refinery, once operational, is expected to significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported refined fuel, boosting the local economy and creating thousands of jobs. The latest incident, however, underscores the fragility of large-scale industrial projects in the face of both internal and external pressures.
More updates will follow as the situation develops.