Dangote Group has urged Nigeria to strengthen domestic production, reduce import dependence and expand exports to build economic resilience and competitiveness.
The Regional Director of Dangote Group, Hajia Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, made the call on Friday at the group’s special day at the 21st Abuja International Trade Fair.
Wali-Abdurrahman, who was represented by the Group General Manager, Mr Abdullahi Dan-Musa, stressed that economic resilience depended on expanding productive capacity and strengthening local supply chains.
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She called for an investment environment that encouraged industrial growth, job creation, exports and sustainable economic development.
Wali-Abdurrahman noted that businesses were contending with inflationary pressures, exchange-rate adjustments, evolving tax policies and technological disruptions.
She added that changing international trade patterns were also creating new challenges for businesses operating in Nigeria.
According to her, economic resilience went beyond withstanding difficulties to include adapting, innovating and continuing to invest in the future.
“Dangote Group remains committed to building productive capacity across Nigeria and Africa through investments that create jobs and strengthen local supply chains,” Wali-Abdurrahman said.
She explained that the group’s investments covered cement, sugar, salt, seasoning, packaging, fertiliser, petrochemicals and petroleum refining, among other sectors.
Wali-Abdurrahman said Dangote Cement had helped transform Nigeria from a major cement-importing market into a significant producer and exporter.
“The company’s operations support employment while sustaining suppliers, distributors, contractors, transporters, retailers and other businesses across the value chain,” she noted.
She disclosed that the group had extended its Pan-African industrial vision to the energy sector, with construction beginning on its refinery and petrochemicals project in Lamu, Kenya.
Wali-Abdurrahman explained that local manufacturing generated wider economic benefits by creating contracts, expanding distribution networks and supporting transportation.
She added that manufacturing also helped develop technical skills among young Nigerians while strengthening domestic supply chains.
Wali-Abdurrahman stressed that taxation remained essential for funding infrastructure, education, healthcare, security and other public services that support economic activity.
She, however, called for a predictable, transparent and efficient tax environment that would encourage compliance without discouraging investment and innovation.
Wali-Abdurrahman disclosed that Dangote Petroleum Refinery currently had a refining capacity of 700,000 barrels per day, with expansion to 1.4 million barrels planned.
She explained that the refinery would support energy security, reduce dependence on imported refined products and conserve foreign exchange.
The Dangote Group Regional Director added that the facility would also help develop local technical expertise and strengthen Nigeria’s industrial capacity.
Wali-Abdurrahman said the group’s Vision 2030 was aimed at transforming Dangote Industries Ltd. into a $100 billion enterprise through industrial expansion and cross-border investments across Africa.
Speaking at the event, the First Deputy President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, commended Dangote Group for its longstanding partnership with the chamber.
Adesugba, who represented the ACCI President, Chief Emeka Obegolu, said the trade fair had evolved beyond an exhibition platform into an important economic marketplace.
He explained that the fair brought together businesses, investors, government institutions, diplomatic missions, entrepreneurs and consumers to create commercial relationships.
The ACCI official noted that the platform also stimulated economic activity and provided opportunities for businesses to gain visibility and access customers.
He said the fair enabled participants to identify investment opportunities and strengthen value chains through commercial relationships.
Adesugba described the partnership between Dangote and ACCI as an example of the role of responsible corporate participation in sustaining platforms that promote commerce and enterprise.
He noted that Dangote’s investments in cement, fertiliser, agriculture, refining and petrochemicals demonstrated the importance of domestic productive capacity.
The ACCI First Deputy President added that the investments supported employment creation and reduced Nigeria’s dependence on imports.
Adesugba said ACCI recognised Dangote not only as an exhibitor and sponsor, but also as a strategic partner whose investments supported Nigerian businesses, trade, investment and sustainable economic development.
NAN
