LCCI Applauds Dangote Group For Commitment Towards Nigeria’s Economic Growth

Dangote Group has been applauded for remaining a pillar of industrial strength and resilience, embodying the values of innovation, diversification, and a steadfast commitment to Nigeria’s economic growth in times like this when the country is facing complex economic challenges.

This formed part of the welcome address presented by the President Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, FCA during the Dangote Special Day event held at the ongoing Lagos International Trade Fair.

Idahosa said “the Dangote Group’s journey is a story of strategic diversification and visionary leadership, capitalising on Nigeria’s rich natural resources and creating millions of jobs, opportunities for SMEs, and an environment for foreign investments.”

He said that through its vast network of subsidiaries, the Dangote Group has mastered the art of creating value chains within Nigeria, providing both direct and indirect employment to thousands.

‘It has also helped reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports by producing essential goods locally, from cement to foodstuffs and fertilisers. The Dangote Group’s commitment to domestic production has not only boosted Nigeria’s GDP but also fostered a culture of self-reliance and resilience, encouraging other Nigerian businesses to follow suit.’

Idahosa said that the Dangote Refinery’s $19 billion project, aimed at reducing Nigeria’s dependency on imported petroleum products, and saving the country billions in foreign exchange annually, as well as the Dangote Fertilizer Plant, are redefining Nigeria’s industrial landscape and soon positioning the country as a net exporter of refined oil and fertilisers.

The LCCI boss said that the Dangote Group’s ability to adapt and thrive in complex environments, including fluctuating foreign exchange rates, limited access to energy, inflationary pressures, and an evolving regulatory landscape is a testament to its operational resilience and strategic foresight.

According to the LCCI President, Dangote Group stands as an enduring example of how businesses can transform economies, drive development, and inspire positive social change, stressing that with the right leadership, vision, and strategies, African industries can compete globally while nurturing their domestic markets.

He then called on the Nigerian government to come plain to Nigerians and businesses on the direction of their policies and what near-term achievements are possible, saying that this will build some level of certainty to support business planning and decisions.

The Group Executive Director, Commercial Operations, Fatima Aliko-Dangote, represented by Director, Depot and Logistics, Dangote Cement, Dolapo Alli, said that Dangote is a conglomerate, driving the diversification of Nigeria’s economy.

She said that with the recent flagship project of the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals, they are optimistic that many new manufacturing outfits will emerge relying on both the products and byproducts of the petroleum complex as feedstock in their production processes.

“The evolution of these mutual interdependent industries is expected to revolutionise Nigeria’s economy by creating linkages between different industrial sectors. The linkages will provide cushions to the economy, preventing disruptions in production as raw materials are available. Linkages are vital in sustainable economic and industrial development.

We are envisioning a connected and interlinked manufacturing sector that will produce goods that are usually imported, and in the process create more jobs for the growing youth population.”

Olusola Akintonde