Dangote Says Refinery Will Overcome Kenyan Legal Hurdles

Dangote Group President, Aliko Dangote, has said the proposed multi-billion-dollar refinery in Lamu, Kenya, will overcome ongoing legal challenges surrounding the project.

A Kenyan court recently ordered that the status quo be maintained at the refinery site following a petition by farmers and residents who alleged forced eviction, property destruction and failure to meet environmental and public participation requirements.

Speaking in Nairobi, Dangote described the legal challenge as a routine occurrence and said his company was prepared to address the issues. The court is expected to give further directions on October 14.

Dangote Group said the court order had not cancelled the planned groundbreaking ceremony for the 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery, scheduled for September 30. The project is expected to serve the East African market, with Dangote Group holding a 70 per cent stake.