The Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) has reaffirmed its dedication to diversifying Nigeria’s economic system, enhancing development and creating employment through strategic investments. During the Dangote Group’s Special Day at the 2024 Lagos International Trade Fair, Fatima Aliko-Dangote, Executive Director of Commercial Operations, addressed the company’s economic transformation and Innovation goals. Dolapo Alli, the Depot and Logistics Director at Dangote Cement Plc shared his insights and emphasised the importance of Manufacturing and the crucial role of partnership within the industry.
Fatima emphasised that manufacturing is vital in DIL’s activities, highlighting the combination reliance on various suppliers and service providers for crucial materials and inputs. She noted that this illustrates the importance of the company’s active role in groups like The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and its engagement in initiatives that promote economic relationships at every business tier, from business-to-business collaboration to direct interactions with end consumers. She noted that this year’s fair theme, “Connecting Businesses, Creating Value,” resonates strongly with their goal of creating value and promoting sustainable economic development.
Key achievements of DIL across various industries in Nigeria.
Their latest success is the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals, a major project that has commenced operations and generates various products such as Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), automotive gas oil, JET A1 fuel, and polypropylene. She conveyed hope that this refinery will stimulate the emergence of new manufacturing businesses that will use the products and by-products of this operation as their foundational materials. This, in turn, will promote mutual benefits among various industrial sectors. She emphasised that these industrial connections are crucial for economic strength, offering protection against production interruptions by ensuring the local availability of raw materials.
She emphasised DIL’s goal of establishing a connected manufacturing industry that allows for the domestic production of frequently imported products. This would generate additional employment opportunities for youth and enhance the industry’s strength. In pursuing this aim, DIL foresees an interconnected industrial environment promoting enduring economic value. Fatima recognised the notable contribution of Dangote Cement in enabling the country to become self-reliant in cement manufacturing, which has reduced the import dependency and positioned the nation as a cement exporter. She emphasised that this ability to Export has alleviated pressure on the foreign exchange reserves.
Gabriel praised the impact of the firm initiatives on the economy.
Another notable achievement is Dangote Fertiliser Limited, currently recognised as the biggest Granulated Urea Fertiliser facility in Africa. Dangote Sugar is also dedicated to eliminating raw sugar imports by advancing the national sugar backward integration strategy. Gabriel Idahosa, the President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, praised the influence of the company’s initiatives, calling the organisation a foundation of industrial power and perseverance for the nation. Idahosa commended DIL’s role in promoting stability in a country with economic difficulties.
He emphasised that their dedication to sourcing inputs locally, whenever feasible, has minimised risks associated with foreign exchange Volatility and promoted the development of domestic industries. DIL’s influence extends beyond production and affects national Infrastructure and global trade. Fatima further emphasised DIL’s notable involvement in enhancing the transport system through road development and repair initiatives. Additionally, the Group’s engagement in export financing, mainly linked to its cement sector, has facilitated exporting products from its Petroleum refining and fertiliser businesses to international markets.
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DIL prioritised establishing business relationships at the Trade fair, with committed staff available to provide information to companies and individuals interested in collaborating with the organisation. She again emphasised that DIL’s support for the Lagos International Trade Fair demonstrates its commitment to nurturing a thriving business structure for the country’s growing economy. However, their varied industrial activities have consistently led the charge in advancing national economic development. Leveraging Nigeria’s natural resources, the organisation has increased job opportunities, supported small and medium-sized enterprises, drawn in foreign investments, and exemplified sustainable industrial advancement.