Chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has applauded Zacch Adedeji the chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), describing him as a "smart guy."

Dangote made these comments during a recent interview on Bloomberg Television where he discussed the relationship between Dangote Refinery and the government, particularly regarding petrol sales in Nigeria.

The serial entrepreneur also praised the government negotiating team, which includes the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Economy, Wale Edun, and Adedeji, for their understanding during negotiations with the Dangote Refinery team.

When asked about the understanding between the government and the Dangote refinery, Dangote responded, "I think we have a good relationship with the government today. The president actually appointed the Minister of Finance, the special adviser on revenue, a very smart guy, Zacch Adedeji."

During the interview, Dangote discussed various issues related to Nigeria's refinery and fuel subsidy. He commended the agreement to sell crude oil to the Dangote Refinery in naira and urged the government to completely remove the fuel subsidy.

President Bola Tinubu has consistently advocated for and defended the removal of the fuel subsidy, despite the increase in the prices of food and other basic commodities.

Many Nigerians are lamenting the hardships caused by this decision, leading to protests in different parts of the country.

See the video clip of Dangote's comment on the FIRS boss here:

I believe we have a good relationship with the government today. If NNPC's refineries start to work, Nigeria will become one of the biggest exporters of petroleum products in Africa. - Dangote. pic.twitter.com/ly5ZEQa1ty

— Imran Muhammad (@Imranmuhdz) September 24, 2024