Former presidential aide, author, and social commentator, Reno Omokri, has publicly applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his visionary leadership and long-term contributions to Nigeria’s economic transformation. In his recent statement, Omokri credited Tinubu with laying the groundwork for key national projects such as the Lekki Free Trade Zone and the Dangote Refinery, both of which he believes have the potential to make Nigeria economically independent.
Speaking in a widely shared video on social media, Omokri emphasized that the Dangote Refinery — one of the largest in Africa — is not a random success story but rather the product of strategic planning initiated during Tinubu’s tenure as governor of Lagos State. He explained that Tinubu’s administration was responsible for creating a conducive business environment that attracted major investors like Aliko Dangote, enabling projects of global relevance to thrive within Nigeria’s borders.
According to Omokri, the economic vision set in motion by Tinubu more than a decade ago is now bearing fruit. “The Dangote Refinery, which is situated within the Lekki Free Trade Zone, is a direct result of the policies and initiatives introduced under Tinubu’s leadership in Lagos. That vision is what is now driving Nigeria toward economic independence,” he stated.
Omokri added that Tinubu’s developmental blueprint focused on industrialization, private-sector empowerment, and infrastructural expansion — pillars that have significantly reduced the country’s dependency on imported petroleum products and foreign manufacturing. He asserted that this long-term planning is what separates visionary leadership from short-term governance, emphasizing that Tinubu’s foresight continues to shape Nigeria’s future even at the national level.
Mixed public reactions trail statement
Despite the tone of praise, Omokri’s comments stirred widespread reactions across social media platforms, as Nigerians expressed divided opinions on his remarks. While some users commended his analysis of Tinubu’s legacy, others accused him of political bias, claiming that his statements were influenced by personal motives rather than genuine observation.
One critic commented, “Reno Omokri, why didn’t you ask Tinubu why Nigeria’s refineries have been dead for years? Is it easier for Dangote to build one privately than for a whole country to fix its own?” Another user wrote, “Reno speaks like a man who wants to please everyone in power — today it’s Tinubu, tomorrow it will be someone else.”
Several people also accused the former aide of inconsistency, recalling times when he had criticized Tinubu during the 2023 elections. Some described his tone as “strategically diplomatic,” suggesting that Omokri often tailors his opinions to remain relevant within Nigeria’s ever-changing political landscape.
Nevertheless, others defended his statement, arguing that acknowledging Tinubu’s role in the creation of the Lekki Free Trade Zone does not necessarily mean endorsing his current administration’s policies. They pointed out that Omokri was merely highlighting historical facts and the importance of continuity in governance, rather than showing partisanship.
Supporters commend Tinubu’s leadership
Amidst the controversy, a number of Nigerians echoed Omokri’s views, applauding President Tinubu for his forward-thinking approach to economic development. Supporters described him as a leader with the courage and foresight to pursue long-term projects that would outlive political cycles and positively impact generations to come.
“Jagaban is a true leader with vision and focus. What he started in Lagos is now shaping the nation,” one supporter wrote. Others credited Tinubu for creating policies that attracted both local and foreign investors, turning Lagos into Nigeria’s economic capital and a hub for industrial innovation. However, critics dismissed the praise as “eye service,” accusing Omokri and others of glorifying Tinubu’s achievements while ignoring the current economic hardship facing Nigerians.
Still, Omokri maintained in his video that progress takes time and that the results of Tinubu’s policies would eventually become more visible as industrial projects like the Dangote Refinery reach full operational capacity. He concluded by stating that when Nigeria achieves full refining capability and self-sufficiency in fuel production, the country would no longer depend heavily on foreign imports — a key step toward true economic freedom.
The Dangote Refinery, located within the Lekki Free Trade Zone, remains a symbol of Nigeria’s industrial ambition and one of the most prominent outcomes of Tinubu’s legacy of economic transformation. As debates continue, the refinery stands as both a practical and symbolic reminder of the possibilities that can emerge when policy meets vision, and leadership meets execution.
Watch the video below…
President Tinubu's Vision Resulted In The Lekki Free Trade Zone And Dangote Refinery. The Refinery Will Make Nigeria Economically Independent pic.twitter.com/HxmG4GpBrV
— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) October 20, 2025