A member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Rukayat Shittu, has invited African industrialist Alhaji Aliko Dangote to locate a refinery or energy investment in the state, following disputes surrounding a proposed project in Lamu, Kenya.
The youngest female lawmaker in Nigeria, representing Asa Local Government Area in the hallowed chamber, made this known in a personal appeal to the industrialist, urging him to consider Ilorin’s strategic location, expanding infrastructure, and emerging investment opportunities.
A Kenyan court had ordered parties to maintain the status quo concerning disputed land earmarked for Dangote’s proposed 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Lamu, pending further proceedings.
The court action followed a petition by residents challenging aspects of the land acquisition and development process.
Rukayat stated that Nigeria should be ready to present alternative opportunities to domestic investors looking to undertake major industrial projects, noting that Ilorin offers a combination of strategic geography, expanding infrastructure, access to major markets, and emerging industrial opportunities that could make it an attractive location for future investment.
“Ilorin sits strategically between Nigeria’s North and South, with access to major markets and an emerging network of roads, energy infrastructure, agro-industrial development, logistics, and new urban infrastructure,” she said.
She noted that the opportunity should be viewed beyond the construction of a refinery, as it could become the anchor for a wider industrial ecosystem involving petrochemicals, manufacturing, storage, logistics, engineering, transportation, and other energy-intensive businesses.
“When one door becomes legally uncertain, Nigeria should be ready to show you another door. Ilorin is that door,” she said.
Rukayat described ongoing and emerging developments in roads, urban growth, agro-industrial infrastructure, energy, and logistics as complementary investments that could support a broader industrial corridor around Ilorin.
“A refinery does not exist in isolation. It needs roads, power, water, logistics, storage, engineering, skilled workers, suppliers, and markets,” she said.
According to her, the convergence of these developments with Ilorin’s strategic location provides an opportunity for Kwara to position itself as an industrial and logistics gateway between Nigeria’s northern and southern markets.
She stressed that any eventual investment would have to comply with Nigerian land laws, environmental requirements, regulatory approvals, and proper engagement with affected communities.
Rukayat said Kwara should seek to transform its geographical advantage into an economic advantage by attracting major industrial investments and developing the ecosystem required to support them.
She added that the proposed refinery conversation should be viewed within the broader question of how Nigeria can expand industrial capacity beyond established economic centers.
“Kwara should not merely consume industrial wealth. Kwara should be ready to host it,” she added.