President William Ruto has drawn attention to Nigeria’s prolonged fuel supply challenges, noting that the country, despite being one of Africa’s largest crude oil producers, grappled with persistent petrol shortages for years.
Speaking on the issue, Ruto observed that the paradox of an oil-rich nation struggling with fuel availability reflected deeper structural and refining capacity gaps. For decades, Nigerians endured long queues at filling stations, recurring supply disruptions and heavy dependence on imported refined petroleum products.
The Kenyan leader commended African industrialist Aliko Dangote for taking decisive action by establishing a massive, locally built refinery aimed at addressing the problem. He described the project as a bold, homegrown intervention that many had believed would require foreign expertise and external solutions.
According to Ruto, the refinery represents more than just industrial infrastructure; it is proof that African nations possess the capacity, talent and resources to solve their own economic and developmental challenges. He emphasized that Nigeria’s fuel crisis ultimately found a solution from within its own borders, rather than from external actors.
Ruto added that the development sends a strong message across the continent about self-reliance and regional industrialization, urging African countries to invest in large-scale projects capable of transforming their economies and reducing dependence on imports.