LAGOS ASSEMBLY COMMENDS ONGOING DANGOTE REFINERY; SEEK WELFARE OF INDIGENES

Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday through its House Committee on Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives at the inspection visit to Dangote Refinery; commended the level of work attained by the conglomerate since the commencement of the project.

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Bisi Yusuff reiterating the satisfaction of the Committee, stated “It is an extremely laudable project and we are delighted that this is situated in Lagos State, we will give all necessary legislative backing to support your legal activities.” He maintained.

Looking at the multiplier effect, Hon. Yusuff stated that the project is a pride that will boost the economy of Lagos State and the entire nation.

However, the Committee also spoke on issues bordering with the indigenes and host communities whose lands are affected through the construction of the facility and further enjoined the Dangote to help by providing employment to alleviate the standard of living of the host communities.

Also speaking at the tour of the refinery, Hon. Desmond Elliot raised questions on the possible environmental issues that could arise from the refinery; he inquired on waste management, recycling, greenhouse and the effect on climate change.

The Chief Operations Officer, Mr. Giuseppe Surace revealed that the project has overwhelming capacity to cater for local consumption in Nigeria, “We have adopted the best practices as the basis of our design to ensure capability.”

Adding that the project will transform the country in all its sector, Mr.Surace stated that units in the refinery will produce gasoline, ethanol amongst many other production.

Mr. Surace while assuaging the cogent points raised by the Committee stated “In terms of job creation, there is no Nigerian that will not directly or indirectly benefit as we have structures in place to meet the needs of the host communities thru employment and other measures’ he also assured a robust interaction with other arms outside the circumference of the host communities.”

The Committee, at the end of the tour requested that the House be availed, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Federal Government to ascertain the level of involvement of the Lagos State Government.

Members of the Committee who took part in the tour include Hon. Kehinde Joseph, Hon. Kazeem Raheem, Hon. Victor Akande, Hon. Folajimi Mohammed, Hon. Desmond Elliot and Hon. Mojeed Fatai.

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