Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the Dangote Refinery as an evidence that Africa has the capacity to execute projects on a massive scale, saying the facility represents the level of ambition required to drive the continent’s development.
Sanwo-Olu made the remarks during the Lagos-New York 2026 Learning Journey, hosted by the Aliko Dangote Foundation and the Forum of Young Global Leaders at the Dangote Refinery in Lekki, Lagos.
The governor said the area where the refinery now stands was open water about a decade ago, noting that its transformation into a major industrial facility demonstrates the vision, funding and determination required to build in Lagos.
“Producing 650,000 barrels a day, this refinery proves Africa can execute at a massive scale,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He commended Aliko Dangote and the Aliko Dangote Foundation, as well as the Forum of Young Global Leaders, The Africa Center and Afreximbank, for their roles in supporting the engagement.
According to him, the development of the Lekki corridor reflects Lagos’ approach to infrastructure and economic growth, particularly through efforts to create the conditions needed for further private-sector investment.
Sanwo-Olu said Lagos was already dealing with many of the pressures that would shape Africa’s future, including transportation, energy and the needs of a rapidly growing young population.
“Every pressure Africa will face this century, Lagos is confronting this decade, our roads, our energy and a young population that will either drive our growth or define our risk,” he said.
The governor stressed the need to build systems that would make it easier for future investors and entrepreneurs to undertake major projects, rather than relying on the exceptional efforts of individual investors.
“A system that relies on one man’s extraordinary willpower is not a business model. That is heroism and heroism is hard to repeat,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu said the success of the Dangote Refinery should therefore be assessed not only by its output, but also by whether subsequent investors would have an easier path to establishing large-scale projects in Lagos.
“The true test of this refinery is whether the next builder has a smoother path,” he added.
He said his administration’s investments in the Lekki corridor, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port, the Lekki Free Zone and the Blue Line rail, as well as plans for an airport, were aimed at creating an integrated infrastructure network capable of supporting further investment.
According to him, the goal is to ensure that future investors do not have to start by building the basic infrastructure required to support their businesses.
Sanwo-Olu urged the Young Global Leaders taking part in the learning journey to turn discussions about Africa’s development into concrete partnerships.
“Africa is not waiting for permission to build. We have already started and now is the time to turn conversations into partnerships,” he said.
