Nigerian billionaire and industrialist Aliko Dangote has said he is prepared to face opposition to his proposed Sh2 trillion oil refinery in Lamu, as a group of residents moves to challenge the project in court.
Dangote was responding to a case filed by Salim Tima Swale and 132 others seeking to stop activities on part of the land earmarked for the refinery.
The businessman said opposition to large-scale investments was not unusual in Africa, recalling a similar dispute involving one of his projects in Senegal that eventually reached the Supreme Court.
“This is normal for us in Africa; we do not care. In fact, we had a serious problem in Senegal; they stopped even our factory, and we went up to the Supreme Court,” Dangote said.
He said his company was prepared to deal with those seeking to disrupt the project.
“So anybody who wants to cause trouble, we are ready for them,” he said.
"If you want to go to court to stop the Lamu Refinery, go ahead; we are ready for you."
Dangote added that the company was not concerned by the opposition, saying it was aware of those behind the efforts to challenge the investment.
“We are not bothered, don’t worry, we know the people who are doing all these things,” he said.
His remarks come as the government prepares to break ground for the refinery on Wednesday, September 30, with President William Ruto expected to preside over the ceremony.
The planned refinery, estimated to cost about $16 billion (about Sh2 trillion), is expected to have a processing capacity of approximately 700,000 barrels per day.
The facility is planned to process crude from Kenya’s Turkana oilfields as well as supplies from other parts of Africa, with the government positioning the project as a major investment in the country’s energy sector.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has confirmed that the groundbreaking ceremony will proceed as scheduled despite the pending court case over part of the project land.
The confirmation followed temporary orders issued by the Malindi Environment and Land Court requiring parties to maintain the prevailing status quo on disputed portions of land in the Hindi/Manda Magogoni area of Lamu County.
The petition was filed by Swale and 132 other applicants, who are seeking to stop activities on the contested land pending the hearing and determination of their application.
Justice Jane Onyango certified the matter as urgent and directed that the prevailing status quo on L.R. No. 13061 be maintained until October 14, 2026.
The orders temporarily bar clearing, excavation, fencing, demolition, construction, transfer, disposal or other interference with the occupied portions of the disputed property.
However, the court declined a separate request by the petitioners seeking orders to prevent the Office of the President, Dangote Industries, the Lamu County Government and other respondents from proceeding with the September 30 groundbreaking ceremony.
The court orders leave the planned groundbreaking ceremony intact while the dispute over the affected portions of land continues before the court.
