By Ayomide Otitoju
The Dangote Group has reiterated its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s industrial capacity and supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as key drivers of economic growth.
Speaking at the 37th International Trade Fair in Enugu, organised by the Enugu Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture, the South East Regional Director of Dangote Cement, Olatunbosun Jinadu, said MSMEs remain critical to economic development despite facing persistent challenges including high energy costs, expensive raw materials, and inadequate infrastructure.
Jinadu noted that the fair, themed “Empowering MSMEs for Global Competitiveness,” serves not only as a platform for product exhibition but also as a call to strengthen MSMEs, which form the backbone of both local and global economies.
He highlighted the Group’s long-term growth strategy, Vision 2030, as a key initiative aimed at addressing structural challenges, particularly in feedstock supply and energy. According to him, the strategy focuses on expanding industrial capacity and boosting Africa’s self-sufficiency in critical sectors.
As part of these plans, the Group intends to scale up production across its operations, including increasing the capacity of the Dangote Refinery, expanding fertiliser output to 12 million metric tonnes annually, and ramping up production at its polypropylene plant.
Jinadu explained that polypropylene, widely used in packaging and textiles, would play a significant role in easing operational constraints for MSMEs by improving access to essential raw materials.
He stressed that Nigeria’s economic transformation must be anchored on local production and industrial self-reliance, adding that the Dangote Group remains committed to driving these objectives through sustained investments and expansion.
Jinadu also urged stakeholders at the fair to explore partnership opportunities with the Group’s various business units.
In his remarks, President of ECCIMA, Nnanyelugo Onyemelukwe, commended the Dangote Group for its contributions to Nigeria’s economic development, noting its presence across multiple sectors and its role in job creation both locally and across Africa.
He described the Group as a symbol of innovation, resilience, and industrial excellence, adding that its growth trajectory reflects a strong vision and commitment to enterprise development.
