By Ayomide Otitoju
Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) has reinforced its dedication to driving Nigeria’s economic diversification through strategic investments aimed at fostering growth and job creation. This commitment was highlighted by Hajiya Fatima Aliko-Dangote, Group Executive Director of DIL, at the ongoing 2024 Lagos International Trade Fair. Represented by Mr. Dolapo Alli, Director of Depot and Logistics at Dangote Cement Plc, Aliko-Dangote underscored the company’s focus on industrialization as a means to strengthen Nigeria’s economic independence.
“Manufacturing is central to our operations at Dangote Group,” she stated, noting that the company’s extensive supply network and reliance on local suppliers contribute to Nigeria’s economic development. “Our recent flagship project, the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals, has started operations, producing essential products such as Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), automotive gas oil, JET A1, and polypropylene, which will serve as feedstock for new manufacturing ventures.”
The Dangote Group’s approach, which includes the export of refined petroleum products and fertilizer, exemplifies its role in supporting Nigeria’s industrial sector. Aliko-Dangote highlighted the importance of industrial linkages, which create economic resilience by ensuring the availability of raw materials and reducing dependence on imports.
Echoing this, Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), commended the Dangote Group’s transformative role, describing it as a “pillar of industrial strength and resilience” for Nigeria. Idahosa emphasized that DIL’s backward integration strategy has helped stabilize foreign exchange exposure and spurred local industry growth.
Through ongoing projects such as Dangote Fertilizer, Africa’s largest granulated urea complex, and the Sugar Backward Integration program aimed at reducing raw sugar imports, Dangote Industries continues to lead efforts toward Nigeria’s economic self-reliance.
