Netizens on Tuesday called on the federal government to support local investors and visionary business leaders, highlighting Chairman of Dangote Refinery, Aliko Dangote as the nation’s treasure.

In recent weeks, Dangote has been embroiled in a conflict with Nigerian regulatory officials over his refinery located in Lagos State’s Ibeju-Lekki region.

The tension escalated when the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) announced that the government had not yet licensed the refinery to commence operations.

However, Dangote has dismissed the claim by critics that the quality of diesel produced by Dangote Refinery in terms of sulphur is the lowest in West Africa.

Dangote made the rebuttal last week during a visit by a delegation of the House of Representatives to the refinery in Lagos.

“Another complaint was about the initial drop in diesel prices. Even at 650-750 PPM, our diesel quality was better than imported fuel. Problems with vehicles are due to bad imported fuel. We still stand by our quality, and you can verify it by checking samples from filling stations”, the richest man in Africa said.

Using the hashtag #IStandWithDangote, which is currently trending on X, numerous commentators praised Dangote for his resilence and bravery in building the refinery while seeking the government to support the initiative.

See tweets:

Operator of the largest single line refinery in the world, the largest fertiliser plants in SSA, and a strong foothold in other oil and gas verticals#IStandWithDangote pic.twitter.com/MfCehP6SSK

— 🦅 (@iamtheBigShawty) July 26, 2024

On judgment day, God will say “Where are those entrepreneurs from Nigeria? Once we raise our hands, he will say, Okay you cannot be punished twice, go to heaven.” #IStandWithDangote pic.twitter.com/3yvS9RaI8H

— Maryham (@Maryham48374952) July 26, 2024

I thought building a refinery was supposed to be a thing of pride for everyone, only two countries in Africa are not importing petroleum products, we cannot continue to be slaves while we export raw materials and import products. #IStandWithDangote pic.twitter.com/1qOxHTMxpU

— Maryham (@Maryham48374952) July 26, 2024

Nice to see people supporting @DangoteGroup in the @nnpclimited saga owing to the fact that investment is originally hard compared to pettiness, entrepreneurs deserve encouragement especially in Nigeria. #IStandWithDangote pic.twitter.com/1EFVfKy0o9

— #ThisOrilepikinsef🦅 (@PR4orileboy) July 26, 2024

Looking ahead, Africa holds the key to its greatness. I’m not merely investing money but dedicating my entire being to this cause. In Africa, possibilities are boundless. #IStandWithDangote pic.twitter.com/BYq06WqoU3

— Maryham (@Maryham48374952) July 26, 2024