Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has described the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as proof that African countries can successfully deliver large-scale projects.
Sanwo-Olu made the remarks during the Lagos-New York 2026 Learning Journey held at the refinery in Lekki and hosted by the Aliko Dangote Foundation and the Forum of Young Global Leaders.
The governor said the transformation of the Lekki area demonstrated what could be achieved through long-term investment and planning. He noted that the location where the refinery now stands was once open water and had to be reclaimed before development could take place.
He highlighted the refinery’s capacity to process 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, describing it as an example of Africa’s ability to execute projects on a global scale.
Sanwo-Olu commended Aliko Dangote for investing in Lagos and also recognised the contributions of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Forum of Young Global Leaders, Africa Center and Afreximbank to the programme.
He said the issue of delivering projects at scale was particularly important for Lagos, given the challenges associated with governing a city of more than 25 million people.
According to the governor, Lagos is already dealing with several challenges that will shape Africa’s future, including infrastructure, energy and the needs of its growing young population.
He stressed that the goal should be to create systems that make it easier for future investors and entrepreneurs to develop projects, rather than depending on the extraordinary efforts of individual people.
Sanwo-Olu said the Lekki corridor was being developed as an integrated investment hub, pointing to projects such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Free Zone and Blue Line rail, as well as the planned airport. He said the infrastructure was intended to reduce the challenges future investors would face when setting up projects in the area.
The governor also encouraged the Young Global Leaders taking part in the programme to turn discussions about Africa’s development into practical partnerships and investments.
He said Africa had already begun building its future and should focus on creating partnerships that would accelerate development.
