Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, has faced significant business challenges, notably a prolonged "cement war" with Abdulsamad Rabiu of BUA Group. Efforts to reconcile the two have been unsuccessful. He also faced issues with the Kogi State Government over royalties from his Obajana cement plant.

In the petroleum industry, Dangote's initial attempt to purchase Nigeria’s refineries was thwarted by the Yar'Adua administration, which reversed the sale. Undeterred, Dangote built a private refinery in Lagos with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, costing around $20 billion.

Currently, Dangote's refinery faces accusations from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) of producing unsafe sulfur levels and attempting to monopolize the industry. However, these claims lack evidence, and the NMDPRA does not have the necessary testing facilities. Despite these accusations, companies like TotalEnergies and BP continue to order from Dangote's refinery, indicating international confidence in his products.

Accusations of Dangote benefitting from government favors and political missteps add complexity to his business challenges. The controversy highlights the need for transparent and supportive regulatory frameworks to foster genuine industrial growth and protect local investors.