Obasanjo Says Lafarge Tried to Block Dangote’s Cement Success
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo alleged that French cement firm Lafarge deliberately obstructed Aliko Dangote’s efforts to succeed in cement production, speaking at the groundbreaking of the Dangote East Africa Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals SEZ in Lamu County, Kenya, on Wednesday. Obasanjo said Lafarge placed every obstacle in Dangote’s way, yet Dangote persevered, expanding his cement operations to two African countries, including Senegal, and now pushing forward with a Kenya oil refinery slated for 700,000 barrels per day capacity and a $16 billion price tag.
The claim highlights the intense competition African entrepreneurs face from entrenched multinational firms when entering strategic industries. It also underscores Dangote’s resilience and the potential ripple effects of his projects on regional energy security and industrialization. For Nigerian businesses, the episode raises questions about how to counter external pushback—whether through strategic alliances, policy advocacy, or accelerating local capacity—while prompting policymakers to consider safeguards for homegrown ventures in critical sectors.