Obasanjo reveals how Lafarge allegedly frustrated Dangote’s cement business

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has alleged that French company Lafarge created obstacles for Aliko Dangote after the billionaire became successful in cement manufacturing in Nigeria.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of Dangote’s $16 billion refinery project in Lamu, Kenya, Obasanjo recounted the businessman’s expansion across Africa, according to SaharaReporters.

“The people who really didn’t want Aliko Dangote to succeed in cement production, they went to a French company called Lafarge. And they put every obstacle on Aliko Dangote‘s way. Just as they are still doing to us today,” he said.

Obasanjo said the challenges failed to stop Dangote from establishing cement operations in Tanzania, Ethiopia and Senegal.

He recalled encouraging Dangote in 2003 to move from cement importation into local manufacturing.

“Why are you importing cement and you are not producing cement?” Obasanjo recalled asking him.

He said his administration subsequently introduced a policy linking cement importation licences to plans for domestic production, helping expand Nigeria’s manufacturing capacity significantly.