A leading Pro-Democracy group, Kwara Must Change, has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to partner and collaborate with the Dangote Group to sell all its products, particularly petroleum products to African countries in naira. 

The group also said that only countries in Europe, Asia and America should buy the product in dollars, ensuring that this landmark achievement of Dangote is not only serving Nigeria’s national interest, but also serving its regional interest.

In a statement released to journalists today (Saturday, 7th of September) by the Convener of Kwara Must Change, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, the group said the coming of Dangote refinery should be fully maximized and integrated, along with other major industries like the fertilizer, sugar, cement, amongst others, sold to other African countries.

According to Hamzat, this proposal aligns with the larger vision of promoting the Nigerian currency across the continent, potentially strengthening its value and influence in regional trade and reducing reliance on dollars.

He also said that, rather than chase foreign exchange, particularly the US dollars, we should focus on making others look for naira, which will have a more broader impact on our economy.

Hamzat maintained that, if the federal government makes this a reality, this could create a more favorable business environment for Nigerian industries, promote regional economic integration, and reduce dependency on foreign currencies, particularly the U.S. dollar, adding that this move might help stabilize the naira and encourage other African nations to adopt similar strategies for regional trade.

“It should be recalled that the FG has approved the purchase of crude oil in naira for Dangote refinery and others in Nigeria and this means that the obligation of the refinery in foreign currency will be minimized, thereby making this initiative something achievable.

We urge that the government and Dangote group look into the proposal in line with Nigeria’s overall interest,” the statement added