DANGOTE Has Done Well for Nigeria – Onyema

Pix above: Dangote, Onyema

By Nehru Odeh

Mr. Allen Onyema, the Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, has praised billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote for what he described as his immense contributions to Nigeria’s economy, saying the founder of the Dangote Group has become a symbol of national development and resilience at a time of global economic uncertainty.

Speaking during an interview with an Arise Television presenter on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, Onyema said Nigerians should look beyond the personality of Dangote and appreciate the broader significance of his investments, particularly the Dangote Refinery, which he believes has helped cushion the country from the effects of ongoing global disruptions.

The Air Peace boss made the remarks against the backdrop of mounting challenges facing the global aviation industry following escalating tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran, a crisis that has sent shockwaves through international energy and transportation markets.

According to Onyema, Dangote’s contributions have become even more critical at a time when Nigeria and other countries are grappling with the consequences of rising fuel costs and supply uncertainties.

“I am a huge fan of Aliko Dangote,” Onyema said. “We should look beyond the man Aliko Dangote and focus on what that name represents to the average Nigerian and to our nation.”

He described the industrialist as a patriotic businessman whose investments have had far-reaching benefits for millions of Nigerians.

“Dangote doesn’t need anything from anybody any longer. He’s not looking to make money for himself. What does he need again in life? I think everything he’s doing now is for the nation,” Onyema said.

The aviation entrepreneur argued that the impact of the Dangote Refinery has become particularly evident amid the current geopolitical tensions affecting global energy markets.

“You can imagine what it could have been if there was no Dangote Refinery. In this time of the US-Iran crisis, this country would have been paying heavily for fuel. People would have suffered. The refinery has come to the rescue of this nation,” he said.

Onyema added that the refinery’s significance extends beyond Nigeria’s borders because of its export capacity and role in strengthening energy security across the region.

“In fact, the world, not only Nigeria, because he is exporting too,” he said.

He also highlighted the employment opportunities created by Dangote’s business empire, noting that hundreds of thousands of Nigerians have benefited directly and indirectly from the conglomerate’s operations.

“This is a man who has provided over 500,000 jobs. You cannot joke with that. I respect him. I want to emulate him. He’s my idol, to be honest with you,” Onyema stated.

Addressing concerns about the cost of aviation fuel, Onyema maintained that Dangote was not responsible for the high prices being paid by airlines. Rather, he blamed the multiple layers of intermediaries involved in the distribution chain.

“Dangote’s fuel, through MRS, remains the cheapest. But it’s the chain, the middlemen in between. Somebody buys from Dangote and sells to another person, who sells to another person, and before it gets to the airline, the price becomes something else entirely,” he explained.

The Air Peace chief further suggested that more support should be provided to the refinery, while calling for greater scrutiny of the challenges confronting its operations.

According to him, questions remain about whether the refinery has direct access to Nigerian crude oil or is compelled to purchase crude through intermediaries due to legacy arrangements inherited from previous administrations.

“You have to find out from Dangote himself what his challenges are. Is he getting crude directly from Nigeria or buying it through agents abroad? Those are questions that need answers,” Onyema said.

His comments come as airlines worldwide continue to face increasing operational pressures triggered by rising fuel costs, currency volatility, and geopolitical instability.

Despite the challenges confronting the aviation sector, Onyema maintained that strategic national investments such as the Dangote Refinery have provided a crucial buffer for Nigeria, helping to reduce the country’s vulnerability to external shocks and strengthening economic resilience in uncertain times.

For Onyema, Dangote’s legacy is not merely about wealth creation but about building institutions and infrastructure capable of transforming Nigeria’s economy and safeguarding its future.