The President, Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has sought for a partnership with the Nigerian Navy to establish a permanent naval protection base at the Dangote Refinery and the shores around the refinery in Lagos State.
Dangote made the call during a courtesy visit with some of his Senior Management Staff to the Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
“I am here first to congratulate you on your appointment and to seek for partnership between the Dangote Group and the Nigerian Navy in the protection of the maritime space and ensuring peace for our nation.
“In this regard, I want to bring up the issue of the setting up of a permanent naval protection base in our refinery which is the largest production base with 650, 000 barrels per day capacity. There will be a lot of movements and economic activity,” Dangote said.
“Our port is going to start operations next year. It will be as busy as Apapa port. We will need helicopter support which the navy is specialized in. We are aware of the need to support the navy in tackling some of its social challenges. We are ready to partner in barracks support and other areas as part of our contribution as a corporate citizen of Nigeria,” Dangote added.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo said “We are glad to collaborate with the Dangote Group. We will look into the possibility of building a Forward Operating Base.
“The need for Dangote Group to partner with us cannot be overemphasized as most of his investments are see born. Let me assure you that we will continue to deliver the services necessary to make our maritime environment secure.”
