Shell Rejected Nigeria’s Refineries—Dangote Stepped In, UMY Backed Out, Obasanjo Had the Vision

When Shell declined Nigeria’s offer to manage its three refineries, Aliko Dangote stepped up to take the reins. But President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (UMY) cancelled the deal, reportedly misled by NNPC officials. That pivotal moment led Dangote to pursue his own refinery project—now Africa’s largest. Former President Obasanjo remains the only leader credited with seeing the long-term vision. This video unpacks the behind-the-scenes power plays that shaped Nigeria’s oil industry. #DangoteRefinery #Obasanjo #NNPC #Shell #UMY #NigeriaEnergy