By Ayomide Otitoju
President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has called for increased investment in local manufacturing and power infrastructure, stressing the need for Nigeria to produce what it consumes to achieve economic independence.
Dangote made the call on Friday at the induction ceremony of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering in Victoria Island, Lagos, where he was conferred with the title of Distinguished Honorary Fellow.
He emphasised that improved electricity infrastructure remains critical to industrial growth, urging stakeholders to prioritise the development of reliable power systems.
According to him, technical sovereignty is essential for economic progress, noting that Nigeria must focus on designing, fabricating and building locally to reduce dependence on imports.
Dangote highlighted the role of engineering innovation in the development of the Dangote Refinery, describing it as a project designed with capacity exceeding many comparable facilities globally.
He reaffirmed the group’s commitment to advancing industrialisation across Nigeria and Africa, with a long-term vision of achieving self-sufficiency in key products previously imported.
The business leader also cautioned about the growing influence of artificial intelligence on engineering, warning that it could replace aspects of design work if not properly managed. He urged professionals to take an active role in shaping the application of the technology within the industry.
In a related development, Dangote disclosed plans to expand industrial operations beyond Nigeria, including a proposed 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery in East Africa as part of a $40 billion investment initiative, subject to government support.
