Dangote Vows to Make Nigeria Self-Sufficient in Cement, Petroleum, Agriculture
Dangote Industries Limited has reiterated its commitment to positioning Nigeria as a self-sustaining economy in critical sectors including cement, agriculture, mining, and petroleum.
Speaking at the ongoing 36th Enugu International Trade Fair on Sunday, the Regional Sales Director for the Southeast, Dr. Abayomi Shittu, emphasized the conglomerate’s resolve to strengthen local production and reduce the nation’s dependence on imports.
According to Shittu, Dangote Industries operates across a wide range of sectors such as cement, sugar, salt, real estate, logistics, steel, oil and gas, telecommunications, and agriculture, all aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s industrial base.
“Our unwavering investment in these industries reflects our belief in Nigeria’s economic potential,” he said during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
He highlighted that three of the group’s key subsidiaries—Dangote Cement Plc, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, and NASCON Allied Industries Plc—are listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, underscoring the group’s long-term commitment to the local economy.
Shittu also pointed to the employment impact of Dangote’s agricultural initiatives, especially the sugar refinery’s out-grower scheme, which has created thousands of jobs for local farmers. Additionally, he noted the growing influence of Dangote Fertiliser in driving productivity within Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
On the energy front, he expressed optimism about the anticipated economic impact of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which is expected to catalyze the growth of ancillary industries and reduce the country’s reliance on imported fuel.
As part of its drive to build local expertise, the group has also invested in capacity development by training engineering and technology graduates in various aspects of industrial operations.
Shittu commended the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA) for hosting what he described as a strategically important trade fair, especially given the commercial strength of the Southeast and South-South regions.
“Trade fairs like this provide invaluable platforms for us to engage directly with consumers and business partners across the country,” he said.
Now in its 36th edition, the Enugu International Trade Fair continues to attract major players from various sectors, offering a hub for networking, innovation, and investment exploration.
