Nigerian billionaire and industrialist Aliko Dangote has stated that he is prepared to face opposition to his proposed Sh2 trillion oil refinery in Lamu, Kenya. A group of 133 residents has filed a case seeking to stop activities on part of the land earmarked for the refinery. Dangote recalled a similar dispute involving one of his projects in Senegal that eventually reached the Supreme Court. He expressed that opposition to large-scale investments was not unusual in Africa.
The planned refinery, estimated to cost about $16 billion, 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. The government positions the project as a major investment in the country’s energy sector. Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi confirmed that the groundbreaking ceremony for the refinery will proceed as scheduled on September 30.
The groundbreaking ceremony will be presided over by President William Ruto. Dangote said his company was prepared to deal with those seeking to disrupt the project. He stated that anybody who wants to cause trouble, they are ready for them. Dangote added that the company was not concerned by the opposition, saying it was aware of those behind the efforts to challenge the investment.
A case filed by Salim Tima Swale and 132 others seeks to stop activities on part of the land earmarked for the refinery. The petitioners 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 court issued temporary orders requiring parties to maintain the prevailing status quo on disputed portions of land in the Hindi/Manda Magogoni area of Lamu County. 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. Dangote said that if anyone wants to go to court to stop the Lamu Refinery, they should go ahead; his company is ready for them. The Nigerian billionaire expressed that his company was not bothered and knew the people who were doing all these things.
The Lamu refinery project has garnered significant attention, with some Kenyans supporting the investment and others opposing it. The project is expected to have a significant impact on the country's energy sector and economy. Key stakeholders will be watching closely as the project progresses amidst the court case.
Key points
- Aliko Dangote's company is prepared to face opposition to the Sh2 trillion oil refinery project in Lamu, Kenya.
- A group of 133 residents has filed a case seeking to stop activities on part of the land earmarked for the refinery.
- The groundbreaking ceremony for the refinery is set to proceed as scheduled on September 30, despite the pending court case.
