By Chioma Obinagwam
Africa’s wealthiest man, Aliko Dangote, has issued a passionate plea for Nigerians to channel their resources back into the country, highlighting the recent departure of skilled engineers from his flagship Dangote Refinery to lucrative opportunities in Qatar as a stark example of brain drain plaguing the nation.
In a statement released during a business forum in Lagos, Confiance News gathered that Dangote lamented the exodus of approximately 50 Nigerian engineers and technicians who had been instrumental in commissioning and operating the $19 billion refinery in Lekki. These professionals, many trained on-site through Dangote Group’s extensive skills transfer programs, have reportedly accepted high-paying contracts with Qatar’s expanding energy sector, including its massive North Field LNG projects. “These are the very talents we nurtured to build Nigeria’s energy independence,” Dangote said. “Yet, due to economic pressures at home, they are leaving for greener pastures abroad. This cannot continue if we want true development.”
The refinery, which began full operations last year and now processes 650,000 barrels of crude daily, has been hailed as a game-changer, ending decades of fuel imports and stabilizing prices. However, challenges like currency devaluation and inadequate domestic incentives have exacerbated talent flight. Dangote, who invested over $23 billion in the project, attributed the issue to systemic corruption and capital flight. “No nation develops without significant investments,” he emphasized. “I appeal to all wealthy Nigerians to look inward and invest here, in Nigeria, for the future of our unborn kids. Stashing funds abroad benefits no one but foreign banks.”
Experts echo Dangote’s concerns. Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, President of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, praised the refinery for showcasing local engineering prowess but warned that without better retention strategies, such as competitive salaries and incentives, more professionals will depart. “The Dangote Refinery is proof that Nigerians are no less capable globally,” Abubakar noted. “But we must keep our talents home.”
The call comes amid broader economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu, including subsidies’ end and refinery integrations with NNPC. Civic groups like the Coalition for Economic Liberation and Social Justice have rallied support, urging vigilance against disruptions to the refinery’s operations.
Dangote’s refinery has already transformed Nigeria into a regional energy exporter, producing polypropylene and jet fuel while fostering thousands of jobs. Yet, the engineer’s exit underscores the need for policy interventions to stem brain drain. As Dangote concluded, “Investing in Nigeria isn’t just business—it’s patriotism. Let’s build our future together.”
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