Aliko Dangote has responded to a legal challenge surrounding his proposed $16 billion refinery project in Kenya, saying disputes of this nature are not unusual when major investments are being developed across Africa.

“This is normal for us in Africa,” Dangote said while speaking about the court challenge.

He pointed to a previous experience involving his business operations in Senegal, where, according to him, one of his factories was prevented from operating for a prolonged period.

“In Senegal, they stopped our factory for one year. We went up to the Supreme Court to get a judgment, so anybody who wants to cause trouble, we are ready for them,” Dangote said.

His comments came after a Kenyan court issued an interim order concerning land earmarked for the proposed refinery in Lamu County.

The Malindi Environment and Land Court directed parties to maintain the existing status quo on a disputed parcel pending further proceedings in the case.

The legal challenge was brought by residents of Chandavai who say their families have occupied, farmed and developed parts of the land for generations.

The residents are seeking recognition of their claimed land interests and compensation, while raising concerns about the potential impact of the refinery project on homes, farms and other property.

The dispute has introduced a legal complication for the planned development, although the court did not halt the proposed groundbreaking ceremony.

Dangote Group has maintained that the project will proceed despite the challenge.

The proposed refinery is expected to have a capacity of up to 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day and is planned as a major energy investment serving Kenya and other markets in East Africa.

The project is part of Dangote Group’s broader expansion across Africa and would extend the Nigerian conglomerate’s presence in the region’s energy sector.

The land dispute is expected to return before the Kenyan court as the parties present their arguments over ownership, occupation, compensation and the development of the site.

Dangote’s comments indicate that the group intends to defend the project through the legal process while continuing with its plans for the Kenyan investment.