Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Delta State, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, has highlighted his company’s involvement in the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as evidence of indigenous capacity in Nigeria’s industrial and logistics sector.
In a campaign video circulated by the NDC candidate’s supporters, Iyovwaye claimed that the Dangote Refinery “would not have been possible” without his company, Wellmann Group, alleging that 39 pieces of abnormal equipment had remained unmoved for more than three years before his firm intervened. However, available accounts independently establish Wellmann’s involvement in transporting key refinery equipment, while the broader claim that the refinery depended on the company has not been independently established.
Key Highlights
- Chris Iyovwaye highlighted Wellmann Group’s role in the Dangote Refinery project.
- Iyovwaye claimed 39 abnormal equipment remained unmoved before Wellmann intervened.
- Wellmann was involved in logistics for key machinery used in the refinery project.
- Iyovwaye described the company’s contribution as evidence of Nigerian industrial capacity.
- Wellmann specialises in heavy lifting, modular transportation and oversized cargo logistics.
- The Dangote Refinery has a stated capacity of 650,000 barrels per day.
- Iyovwaye’s stronger claim that the refinery would not have been possible without Wellmann has not been independently established.
- Iyovwaye is contesting the 2027 Delta State governorship election on the NDC platform.
- The candidate has linked his private-sector experience to his campaign agenda for Delta State.
Chris Iyovwaye Highlights Dangote Refinery Connection
Iyovwaye, the founder, chairman and chief executive of Wellmann Group, used the company’s work on the Dangote Refinery to highlight what he described as the capacity of Nigerian businesses to participate in major industrial projects.
According to Iyovwaye’s account, Wellmann became involved after dozens of oversized pieces of equipment faced logistical challenges in reaching the refinery site.
In a recent campaign post, Iyovwaye said: “Dangote Refinery would not have been possible if not for my company, Wellmann Group.” He further claimed that 39 pieces of abnormal equipment had remained unmoved for more than three years before his company intervened.
That statement represents Iyovwaye’s characterization of Wellmann’s contribution and should be distinguished from the independently documented fact that the company participated in logistics for key refinery machinery.
What Wellmann Group Did at Dangote Refinery
Wellmann Group is a Warri-based company specialising in heavy lifting, marine and land transportation, modular transportation systems and the movement of oversized industrial equipment.
In an interview cited by business publication Qazini, Iyovwaye said Wellmann competitively participated in providing logistics services for key machinery for the Dangote Refinery.
He said the company transported 39 structures that would otherwise have cost more than $27 million to move, according to his account.
The refinery project involved extremely large components, including reactors, columns and other heavy industrial equipment that required specialised transportation and positioning.
Wellmann’s reported role involved the movement and positioning of equipment using specialised modular transport and hydraulic lifting systems.
Iyovwaye’s Dangote Refinery Claim Goes Further
While Wellmann’s involvement in the project is documented, Iyovwaye’s latest campaign statement goes further by saying the refinery itself “would not have been possible” without his company.
Available reporting establishes Wellmann as a local logistics participant in the project, but does not independently establish that the overall feasibility or construction of the Dangote Refinery depended exclusively on Wellmann.
The distinction is significant because the refinery involved numerous contractors, engineering companies, logistics providers and international specialists across different stages of its development.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery is a 650,000-barrel-per-day facility in Lekki, Lagos, and has been described as one of the largest refinery projects in Africa.
Who Is Chris Iyovwaye?
Chris Iyovwaye is the founder and chief executive of Wellmann Group and is currently contesting the Delta State governorship election on the NDC platform.
Recent profiles describe his career transition from working as an auxiliary nurse in Warri to building an industrial logistics company involved in the transportation of oversized equipment for major oil, gas and infrastructure projects.
His campaign has made his private-sector experience a central part of his political message, with emphasis on industrialisation, job creation and reducing dependence on government allocations.
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Iyovwaye’s 2027 Delta Governorship Campaign
Iyovwaye is the NDC candidate for the 2027 Delta State governorship election. Recent reports show that he has been campaigning across the state and has positioned his industrial background as part of his argument for a private-sector-driven approach to governance.
In September, Peter Obi and former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege joined Iyovwaye at the inauguration of his campaign headquarters in Asaba. The campaign said its agenda includes security, healthcare, transportation and economic development.
Iyovwaye has also spoken about reducing poverty and unemployment in Delta State as part of his campaign messaging.
Wellmann Group and Indigenous Industrial Capacity
The Dangote Refinery project has provided examples of Nigerian companies participating in highly specialised industrial logistics.
Wellmann’s reported work demonstrates that indigenous firms can provide specialised services for large-scale energy and infrastructure projects. Iyovwaye has used that experience to present himself as an industrialist with private-sector experience relevant to his political campaign.
However, the scale of Wellmann’s contribution should be distinguished from the broader construction of the refinery, which involved multiple companies and specialised contractors.
What the Iyovwaye Claim Means for the 2027 Campaign
The Chris Iyovwaye Dangote Refinery claim has become part of the NDC candidate’s broader campaign narrative about Nigerian expertise, industrialisation and private-sector participation.
While Wellmann’s involvement in moving key refinery equipment is documented, the assertion that the entire refinery would not have been possible without the company remains Iyovwaye’s own characterization of its importance.
As the 2027 Delta governorship campaign develops, Iyovwaye is continuing to use his experience in industrial logistics as a central part of his case for greater emphasis on private-sector activity and industrial development in the state.
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