Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State says the Dangote Refinery demonstrates Africa’s capacity to execute major projects at scale.

Governor Sanwo-Olu describes the development as a reflection of Lagos’ culture of building despite challenging conditions.

Sanwo-Olu stated this in a post on X after visiting the Dangote Refinery in Lekki as part of the Lagos-New York 2026 Learning Journey, hosted by the Aliko Dangote Foundation and the Forum of Young Global Leaders.

The governor said he reminded participants during his speech that the area where the refinery now stands was open water about a decade ago and had to be reclaimed and developed through deliberate investment.

Sanwo-Olu noted that the refinery’s 650,000-barrel-per-day production capacity was evidence that Africa could deliver projects on a massive scale.

He thanked Aliko Dangote for investing in Lagos, alongside the Aliko Dangote Foundation, the Forum of Young Global Leaders, The Africa Center and Afreximbank for their roles in the initiative.

According to Sanwo-Olu, Lagos was already confronting many of the challenges Africa would face in the coming decades, including pressure on roads and energy infrastructure, as well as the need to harness its growing youthful population.

The governor said his administration was focused on creating systems that would make it easier for future investors and developers to build on existing infrastructure, rather than depending on individual efforts.

Sanwo-Olu listed the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Free Zone, Blue Line rail and the upcoming airport among projects designed to support investment along the Lekki corridor.

He also urged the Young Global Leaders travelling to New York to turn discussions about Africa’s development into concrete partnerships.