'This is normal for us in Africa,' Dangote dismisses court order halting Lamu oil refinery construction

Dangote Group Chairman and Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote has scoffed at the recent court ruling that threatens to stop the planned Ksh.2 trillion oil refinery in Lamu, saying that such legal hurdles are "normal in Africa."

Dangote Group Chairman and Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote speaks during a high-level investor engagement forum in Nairobi on September 29, 2026. Photo/NSEPlc

Addressing an investor event in Nairobi on Tuesday, September 19, Dangote expressed confidence that the refinery project ‌would ⁠go ahead.

"I'm sure some of you must have seen one court (has) given an order that we shouldn't do any construction? I said no, no. This is normal for us in Africa. ... In fact, this is even small," he said.

"Anyone who wants to cause ​trouble, we are ready ​for them."

Earlier, Dangote Group said in a statement that activities at the Lamu site may be affected owing to the ruling, but reaffirmed that the court's decision had not halted the groundbreaking ceremony slated for Wednesday, September 30.

Source: Citizen Digital