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Tag: Dangote Group

  • Vision 2030: Dangote Group unveils $100b enterprise plans

    Vision 2030: Dangote Group unveils $100b enterprise plans

    • Celebrates distributors, partners

    The President, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, yesterday unveiled the Group’s Vision 2030, an ambitious plan aimed at building a $100 billion enterprise by 2030 through industrial expansion, consolidation and cross-border investments.

    The Vision 2030 will see the conglomerate increase cement production capacity to about 90 million tonnes by 2030; expand the Dangote Refinery to 1.4 million barrels per day and scale up fertiliser production to 12 million metric tonnes annually.

    Unveiling the vision at the Dangote Group’s 2025 Distributors Awards and Partners’ Night held at the Eko Hotels in Lagos, to recognise distributors and strategic partners for their contributions to the company’s growth, Aliko Dangote also announced major investments across Africa, including new fertiliser complexes, tank farms, pipelines, sugar backward integration projects and expanded energy infrastructure, aimed at boosting Africa’s self-sufficiency in critical sectors.

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     “Our ambition goes beyond building factories. It is about building Africa’s capacity to feed itself, power its economy and drive sustainable industrialisation,” he said, even as he reaffirmed the group’s commitment to investing in Nigeria’s economy, creating jobs and supporting government efforts to achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

    Dangote also highlighted the group’s social investments, including a multi-billion-dollar education fund to support vulnerable students across the country.

    The event, which had as its theme: “Partner for Growth,” brought together distributors, customers, financial partners and other stakeholders to celebrate outstanding performance and reaffirm the company’s growth agenda.

    Aliko also described distributors as the “heartbeat” of the organisation, noting that their commitment and resilience have translated the group’s vision into tangible results. He emphasised that growth is impossible without strong partnerships, acknowledging the support of Nigerian banks and financial institutions in driving the group’s expansion.

    He said the 2025 awards ceremony, themed Partner for Growth, signalled the beginning of the group’s growth journey for 2026.

    Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of Dangote Cement Plc, Emmanuel Ikazoboh, noted that strong partnerships remain critical to sustaining industrial growth in Nigeria and across Africa.

    He commended distributors and partners for their dedication, describing them as a vital link between production facilities and end-users across Africa, insisting that the event was significant as it marked a renewed commitment to strengthening partnerships that drive shared prosperity.

    According to him, Dangote Cement has maintained its leadership position in the cement industry due to the tireless efforts of its distributors and partners.

    He said the company expanded its production capacity in 2025 to meet rising demand in Nigeria and other African markets, while continuing to uphold the highest global quality standards.

    “We believe your growth is our growth. Growth is a shared responsibility and partnerships are key to achieving sustainable industrial development,” Ikazoboh said.

    He noted that the company introduced new products, including 52.5 Blockmaster, 42.5R, 42.5N and Falcon cement, to meet the diverse needs of customers.

    He also disclosed that Dangote Cement is investing in compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks to improve logistics efficiency, reduce costs and promote environmental sustainability.

    As part of its sustainability drive, Ikazoboh said the company is embarking on the production of green cement and transitioning its fleet to alternative energy sources, including solar power and CNG, with plans to have all trucks powered by CNG by 2027.

  • Resignation isn’t enough

    Resignation isn’t enough

    Allegations against former NMDPRA boss, Ahmed, are too weighty to be forgotten simply because he has resigned

    Weeks before, there had been protests in mainly some northern states, clamouring for the sack of the immediate past Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, over sundry allegations of corruption. At the time, the question in the mouths of many was who were the sponsors of these protests, especially as it seemed many of the protesters probably knew next-to-nothing about the oil sector, upstream or downstream.

    We have seen many such protests in the country, whereby many of the protesters carrying placards would turn them upside down, suggesting they were stark illiterates who could never have understood the reason for their joining the protests beyond the stipend they would be given for participation.

    Despite the loudness of the protests, neither the Federal Government nor Ahmed was moved to action. Both went about their different duties.

    But all that was to change when Africa’s richest person and founder of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, joined the fray by making some grievous allegations against Ahmed. Dangote’s voice alone dwarfed the voices of the entire motley crowd that had been crying like John the Baptist in the wilderness. If the government did not hear, or pretended not to hear: not Ahmed. The former NMDPRA boss heard Dangote loud and clear, and immediately did what occurred to him to be the needful. He resigned. Thereafter, he tried to defend the allegations raised against him by Dangote.

    Indeed, his action reminded me of the expensive joke that one of my bosses at the then Kingsway Stores, one Mrs Dina, an Ijebu woman who was hardworking to the core, used to crack whenever any of us fumbled at work. ‘’Kingsway a koko le e lo, ki won to fi ‘we da e duro’ (Kingsway would first send you away before following it up with your sack letter!) 

    But why did Ahmed not resign all this while? Could it be that Dangote’s voice was likely to attract the attention of the government, in which case he could have been fired, instead of the opportunity he had to honourably resign?

    Just as we may never know whether we saw his exit at the time it came or not; we may also not know why he did not put forward his defence and stay put, if he knew he was indeed without blemish. Could he have reigned so that the government would simply close the case as usual and we move on? 

    Again, we may never have answers to these questions. What is clear at least as in the public domain is that he tendered his resignation on December 17, barely days after Dangote made public the damning allegations against him. A newspaper report gave what could be a possible clue as to why the NMDPRA boss eventually threw in the towel as it reported that the embattled Ahmed had earlier that evening met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, for about 30 minutes.

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    Indeed, the newspaper described the resignation as ‘’unexpected turn of events’’. Perhaps unexpected because people had all the while thought Ahmed enjoyed the support of the government.

    If Ahmed’s resignation was unexpected, then, how do we describe that of his counterpart at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe, who also turned in his resignation same day? Both Ahmed and Komolafe were appointed by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration in 2021 to lead the two regulatory agencies created by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). Their tenure should have expired next year.

    However, if anyone had thought the government had been treating Ahmed’s matter with kid gloves, its swift replacement of the duo confirmed the contrary. Perhaps the government had only been shopping for their replacements all through the time it did nothing (at least in the eyes of the public) despite the cries for Ahmed’s probe and ultimate sack. This swiftness led to the president sending the names of two new chief executives for the NMDPRA and the NUPRC, namely: Saidu Aliyu Mohammed and Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, respectively. This is commendable, given their strategic importance in the oil sector. No vacuum should be allowed in such strategic agencies.

    If I had been ‘Ahmedcentric’ so far in this write-up, it is because, as I mentioned earlier, tongues had been wagging about Ahmed’s activities at the NMDPRA long before now. We have not heard that Komolafe did anything to warrant his sudden resignation alongside Ahmed’s. Moreover, as we would discover shortly, Ahmed’s matter appears hydra-headed or multidimensional.

    Komolafe’s case is particularly pathetic because he was said to have raised the bar at NUPRC. He was said to have embarked on a series of reforms that border on regulatory transparency, community engagement, investment confidence, industry performance and international engagement. From the time he was appointed in 2021, he succeeded in increasing the country’s active drilling rig counts from barely eight to almost 70 by October, 2025. His efforts were said to have paid off with approvals in investments and capital inflow. He also did well with community engagement and took measures that reduced crude theft.

    So, what could have led to his resignation?

    The only thing I heard was that it was done for ethnic balancing? I do not believe this. This is why the government itself has to shed some light on Komolafe’s dark deeds at NUPRC (if any), to erase any doubt of ethnic balancing. After all, a Yoruba adage says it is the finger that sinned that is cut off (ika to ba se l’Oba nge). I do not think it is possible for anyone to carry vicarious liability in this matter.

    Back to Dangote vs. Ahmed.

    Dangote in recent times has been at daggers-drawn with the NMDPRA and particularly Ahmed, its head, that he accused of sleaze and economic sabotage by undermining local refining capacity in Nigeria, especially through the unbridled issuance of import licences for petroleum products, despite the capacity of local refiners to meet the country’s needs.

    Africa’s richest person also raised what some people refer to as personal allegation against the NMDPRA boss. He alleged that Ahmed was living beyond his legitimate means, claiming that four of his children attend secondary schools in Switzerland at a cost of about $7 million.

    Dangote concluded that this kind of expenditure raised questions about potential conflicts of interest and the integrity of regulatory oversight in the downstream petroleum sector. He subsequently submitted a petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), calling for Ahmed’s arrest, investigation and prosecution.

    Ahmed, on his part, has tried to answer some of the questions raised by Dangote, particularly as they affect the education of his children. He said, “Three of my four children received substantial merit-based scholarships ranging from 40% to 65% of tuition costs.”

    Beyond these scholarships, he explained that his father, a businessman, established a trust fund for the education of his grandchildren before his death in 2018. Apparently, he is taking advantage of this as well as what he called support from extended family, consistent with traditional Nigerian values of collective investment in education.

    He added that when his three decades of accumulated savings (of about N48 million annually) and official compensation are considered, he cannot be said to be living beyond his means and that he has consistently declared his assets to the Code of Conduct Bureau since joining the public sector in 1991.

    For me, I do not see any reason why Nigeria should continue to import petrol at the rate it did even up till last month. In November, last year, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL) said it had stopped importation of fuel. Melee Kyari, its then chief executive officer, said “Today, NNPC does not import any product; we are taking only from domestic refineries.” 

    However, figures from the NMDPRA showed that NNPC Limited and other marketers imported 52.1 million litres of petrol daily in November, 2025, despite the fact that consumption fell to 52.9 million litres per day in the month, down from 56.74 million litres per day recorded in October. This amounted to 1.563 billion litres for the month. NMDPRA said this was done because local supply could not meet up with demand, and especially with the festive season around the corner.

    I know some people had invested in tank facilities during the period of fuel importation, but then, we can only try to strike a balance between their interest and the larger interest of the country. We cannot kill local refineries (just because of that), a thing we had been craving for, for decades.

    Of course, I am also not oblivious of the potential threat that a single dominant player in the sector could pose to the economy. Even at that, we have to see it in the larger interest of the economy while the government tries to do some balancing act to avoid this.

    To those who felt Dangote should not have mentioned the fabulous amount Ahmed allegedly spent on his children’s secondary education outside the country, because it is a personal affair, I think they missed the point. Dangote is a major tax payer; his Dangote Group paid N402 billion tax to the Federal Government’s coffers last year, at least as confirmed by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). Some other reports quoted N450 billion. Whichever, this is huge. He is therefore more than qualified to know how this is spent and should therefore not keep quiet when he feels a public official is spending above his means. Many public officials in Nigeria do. I do not think Dangote would have cited this if he had issues with a private citizen.

    And, to those who have always felt Dangote is allergic to competition. While I am not in a position to deny or admit this, suffice it to say that it is impossible for a man who has established a $20 billion world-class refinery of Dangote Refinery status to be a gentleman. This is much more so in our kind of clime where the oil sector stinks to high heaven, with people that had been creaming off billions of money meant for fuel subsidy after they had ensured that all the public refineries became either dead or comatose. That business is not one for gentlemen because the stench in the sector is almost pervasive; with, perhaps, none exempts. 

    My conclusion: Ahmed’s resignation cannot be the end of the matter; the allegations against him must be investigated in the interest of natural justice, the economy and transparency and accountability in public office. Nothing short of this would do.

  • Dangote, cartel and national interest

    Dangote, cartel and national interest

    Only those unfamiliar with recent happenings in the midstream and downstream petroleum sector could afford to pretend that they didn’t see the roforofo coming. However, whereas the moment had become somewhat inevitable, yet, even by the so-called Nigerian standard where rules and conventions are more often than not observed in the breach, there is a lot to be said about Sunday’s laser guided missiles hurled at the regulator of the midstream and downstream petroleum sector, and the cartel of fuel importers, by the president of the Dangote Group, that speaks to the extraordinariness of the current time.

    That the gloves are finally off is an understatement. To those who know, the battle has been joined long before the Sunday, December 14 event with the latter date merely being the H-Hour. It was the day chosen by Aliko Dangote to step out, guns-a-blazing, in what became his long-awaited riposte to the sectoral undercurrents that has seen his corporate behemoth spar with the regulator and the cartel of fuel importers over the course of the past few months. 

    Call it bare-knuckle: no ambiguities, no pretences and no attempt sophistries: the Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), he asserted, had become a major source of his headache. Yet, much as he thought little of the institution, he actually thought far less of its helmsman, Farouk Ahmed, whom he accused of compromise, corruption and possibly, sabotage.

    As they say of war, all is deemed to be fair!

    Yes, Dangote, in a burst of moral outrage, challenged Nigerians to figure out how an individual, who had spent his entire life in public service, somehow managed to shell out a princely $5 million fees for his four wards in Swiss secondary schools over a six-year period without the unseen hands of benevolent patrons.

    The expenditure, in his judgment, ‘raised serious questions about potential conflicts of interest and the integrity of regulatory oversight in the downstream petroleum sector’ and so should matter, not just to the anti-graft agencies, the tax man but to every Nigerian interested in getting the sector sanitised. I couldn’t agree more with him!

    His words: “When you look at his income, his income does not match paying this kind of fee. And even if it’s me paying $5m for six years for my four children, the taxman has to look at my taxes and how much I pay,” he stated. In other words, the industry policeman, rather than serve the public interest, would seem hostage to interests that are at variance with the national interest!

    Yet, much as one is tempted to see the charge, particularly the underlying insinuation, coming at this time, as nothing short of extraordinary, I don’t think Nigerians should suffer the distraction of failing to understand what the real issues are: the governance of the midstream and downstream sector, and the question of whether the current framework could be said to be fair and even-handed at a time of the sector’s transition.  While the anti-graft bodies have taken the hint, and so should not detain us here, Nigerians must be seen to appreciate the need to sift the wheat from the chaff so as not to throw the good away with the bad!

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    Surely, that there is no love lost between Dangote Refinery and NMDPRA is certainly an open secret. Most certainly, I understand why the former will be piqued by what appears to be unhelpful posturing of the latter. Only last year, on July 18, 2024, Farouk Ahmed, had alleged that local refineries, including the Dangote refinery, were producing inferior products compared to imports – a charge that was stoutly denied by the refinery at the time. Trust Nigerians: they let things pass without a firm resolution of that particular issue.

    Again in October, NMDPRA would make another claim: that Dangote Refinery supplies the market far less than it claims. It puts the company’s daily average at 20 million litres as against the 50 million litres requirement of the local market. Expectedly, this was promptly refuted by Dangote Group spokesman, Anthony Chiejina: “the refinery now loads 45 million litres of PMS and 25 million litres of diesel daily, which exceeds Nigeria’s demand”. In fact, he told Bloomberg: “This significant production capacity not only guarantees local supply, but also enhances energy security and reduces dependence on imports”. 

    Still, Nigerians remain at sea for answers. In fact, it remains a national shame that issues of determining how much crude is refined and consumed daily continue to be a source of dispute. In this particular instance, the government apparently considers the NMDPRA figures as more believable; hence it suspended the 15 percent fuel import tax originally proposed to take immediate effect until the first quarter of next year.

    I do appreciate how challenging the refining turf is. Surely, a man who has committed so much of his life and fortune to deliver the national dream should feel entitled to protection by the government. Yet, such expectations, call for a delicate balancing between the corporate’s guarantee of survival and the overall stability of the economy. Surely, Nigerians are not confused about what the issues are: Dangote Refinery deserves every support that the government can give – and this subject to its proven capacity; just as the nation’s best interests must remain a major consideration at all times. That would explain why the government, in its wisdom, came up with the adjustment in the 15 percent tax to, in the words of FIRS chairman Zacch Adedeji, “provide adequate time for stakeholders to complete alignment on technical templates, public communication frameworks, and import scheduling, thereby minimising disruption to the supply chain and ensuring that the reform achieves its intended stabilising impact.” We are talking of something that is only three months away!

    Finally, on the cartels in the downstream arena: the club of international traders and local marketers all of whom, Dangote believes have colluded to undermine local refining; ‘organised cartels’, he claimed, pose a “bigger threat than drug mafias”.

    He recounted multiple sabotage incidents at both his facility and public refineries, a notable example of which was the removal of spare parts from a 400-ton boiler described as the largest ever built!

    “If I tell you the sabotages that we went through, including some of the machine manufacturers that were on the verge of going to court, you will know what I’m saying.

    “Drug mafias are actually smaller than the people who are in oil and gas. They have robbed so many people in this sector,” he was quoted to have said.

    Surely, that is where the main battle ahead lies. My answer: VIGILANCE!  Even here, there can be no underestimating the capacity of the Dangote Group to do battle. Already, we have seen evidence of this at the bully pulpit and at the fuel dispensing pumps. Thanks to the undeclared war, petrol prices are expected to drop to N739 per litre nationwide, beginning today, with initial implementation at MRS stations in Lagos – all things being equal. While the question of whether this is merely a pyrrhic victory or one that will usher in lasting respite for the fuel consumer lies in the womb of time, it is a Nigerian win all the same!

  • ‘Why we honoured Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, others with Nigeria’s Pride Awards’

    ‘Why we honoured Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, others with Nigeria’s Pride Awards’

    Dangote Group was recently honoured as Chief Cornerstone of Business in Africa at the 2025 Nigeria’s Pride Awards, with the organisation’s Group Head of Corporate Communications, Anthony Chiejina who emerged as The Most Impactful Corporate Marketing Officer of the Decade.

    Others who received awards at the event that took place in Abuja on September 30th include Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru, Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, Senator Ireti Kingibe, Director General of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jideani Agabaidu, Director General of CLTC, Hon. Rinsola Abiola, Nollywood personalities, Tonto Dikeh and Empress Njamah, among others.

    The Awards were organised by First Green White Resources (FGWR), publishers of African Leadership Scorecard Magazine and Nationwide Reports; and was chaired by Gen. Paul Boroh (Rtd), former Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta/Coordinator of Amnesty Programme while the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris was Guest Speaker with Dr. Sarah Jibrin, former Presidential Adviser on Ethics and Moral Values served as Mother of the Day.

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    While addressing a post-event press conference in Abuja on Monday, October 13 in Abuja, the Founder of FGWR, Bonaventure Phillips Melah, said  Nigeria’s Pride Awards was founded to identify, recognize, appreciate and celebrate citizens, other nationals and corporate citizens that distinguish themselves through selfless service, patriotism, exemplary and inspiring leadership and therefore contribute positively to the development, prosperity, peace, unity and security of Nigeria as well as overall wellbeing of humanity.

    He said although Nigeria is a country in search of quality leadership, many of its citizens at home and in the Diaspora are doing well in diverse fields of human endeavour and should be celebrated as according to him, a society that does not reward good people does not deserve good people in the first place.

    He described Dangote Group as truly the Chief Cornerstone of Business in Africa, saying the Group’s Founder, Alhaji Aliko Dangote is a rare gift of God to Nigeria and Africa, adding that Nigeria in particular and Africa in general have benefitted immensely from the various businesses established by the conglomerate across the country and continent.

    On the part of Anthony Chiejina, he described him as a media colossus, who have deployed his expertise and wealth of experience to ensure that Dangote Group was a most sought-after brand, household name that has maintained a credible reputation without blemish, despite attempts by detractors and business competitors to malign the organization.

    Melah said apart from the existing 18 subsidiaries of the organization that is currently having more than 50,000 workers on its payroll, Dangote Group recently commenced the establishment of a $2.5billion fertilizer plant in Ethiopia, which he said would add positively to the growth of Africa and help to enhance the continent’s drive for self-sufficiency, adding that in all these, Anthony Chiejina has been a strategic factor in achieving the feats.

    He also lauded Alhaji Aliko Dangote for establishing Dangote Foundation through which thousands of people have been lifted from poverty with many community-based health, water, sanitation and educational facilities have been provided to ease life for rural dwellers.  

    “Dangote Group was established in the 1970s, and is the largest industrial conglomerate in West Africa as well as one of the top-three in Africa with over 50,000 Nigerians and other nationals in its employment. With over 18 subsidiary companies, Dangote Group is involved in diverse businesses including transportation, fisheries, textile, flour milling, salt processing, fertilizer production, rice, sugar refining, construction, haulage, cement production and others. 

    “The successful takeoff of the Dangote Refinery, recoginsed as the largest single-train refinery in the world with the capacity of 650,000 barrels per day which also produces diesel, aviation fuel and other products, is a landmark achievement unprecedented in history; and is being celebrated by every well-meaning Nigerian, as it has ended the perennial fuel scarcity that afflicted the nation and her people for decades.

    “Due mainly to Dangote’s patriotism and human-oriented business approach, the Group has been at the forefront of efforts to reduce price of petroleum products in Nigeria, especially petrol, which at the moment stands at N840 per litre from the N1,200 last year. The same is true of cooking gas and others.

    “With its decision to distribute petrol free of charge and acquisition of 4,000 brand new trucks for the purpose, Dangote is set to further reduce prices in August when the new initiative would take off. Dangote Group was therefore awarded The Chief Cornerstone of Business in Africa for these remarkable feats,” he said and praised other awardees for their individual and collective achievement, adding that Nigeria’s Pride Awards would henceforth be an annual event to be celebrated as side event to the anniversary of Nigeria’s Independence.

  • Dangote Group disowns truck involved in Enugu accident

    Dangote Group disowns truck involved in Enugu accident

    The truck involved in the recent accident in Enugu State is not from the fleet of Dangote Group, the Management of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), said yesterday.

    In a statement yesterday, the DIL explained that following its investigation into the incident, the truck was found to belong to Visco Investment Global Limited, a third-party operator.

    The statement, signed by the company’s management,  noted that the Dangote Group is engaging appropriate agencies to determine how the truck involved in the accident had its brand logo on it.

    It reads: “We are actively engaging with the appropriate agencies to determine why the truck in question was bearing our logo, despite not being part of our fleet.

    “Moving forward, increased scrutiny will be applied to the unauthorised use of our brand identity, particularly the misuse of our logo on vehicles not affiliated with the Group.

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    “While it is our policy not to comment publicly on individual cases, we are compelled to address the increasing spread of misinformation by attributing such incidents to the Dangote Group without any substantiated evidence. We urge the public and media to refrain from circulating unverified claims.

    “We remain committed to cooperating fully with the relevant authorities and urge that those tasked with investigating incidents of this nature be allowed to carry out their responsibilities without undue interference.”

    “We categorically reject any attempt to exploit such tragedies for malicious or financial gain. The Dangote Group remains steadfast in upholding the highest standards of corporate responsibility, safety, and integrity in all our operations.”

  • Dangote Group condoles with family on Phyna’s sister’s death

    Dangote Group condoles with family on Phyna’s sister’s death

    Dangote Group has announced the death of Big Brother Naija’s season 7 Phyna’s sister, Ruth Otabor, who was injured in a road accident involving one of its trucks in Auchi, Edo State.

    The company made this known a statement yesterday by its management via X.

    It said: ‘’We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ruth Otabor, who was injured in the recent road incident involving one of our trucks in Auchi, Edo State. On behalf of the entire Dangote Group, we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones at this difficult time.”

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    The Group explained that it had supported Ruth since the accident in terms of financial, medical expenses, and care.

    “Our officials and insurance partners have been by her side, covering all financial and medical costs and supporting her family.

    Arrangements had been made for her to be flown to India for advanced treatment, pending medical clearance from her doctors. Sadly, despite these efforts and Ruth’s brave fight to live, we lost her today.”

  • Dangote Group urges increased investment for technological, industrial devt

    Dangote Group urges increased investment for technological, industrial devt

    Dangote Industries has emphasized the need for significant investment in research, technology, and global best practices to drive sustainable industrial development in Nigeria.

    The call was made by Ayirioritse Okerentie, Deputy Regional Director (South East) of Dangote Cement PLC, during the Dangote Group’s Special Day at the 36th Enugu International Trade Fair, organized by the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA).

    Okerentie stressed that for Nigerian products to achieve global competitiveness, the country must prioritize innovation and research. 

    He added that advancing the industrial sector through technology and development initiatives is key to staying ahead of international competition.

    “Developing Nigeria industrial sector requires massive investment in technology, adoption of best in-class global practices. This is the best way for products from Nigeria to gain global recognition. When your products are of global standards, global recognition becomes easy,” he said

    He described the theme of the fair, “Developing Nigeria Industrial Sector/SMEs for Economic Advancement & Global Recognition” as apt.  

    Okerentie said that Dangote Group was Africa’s foremost indigenous manufacturing conglomerate which believes that the nation’s industrial/manufacturing sector has the capacity to impact significantly on the economy especially in the creation of jobs, provision of goods, reduction in imports of finished products and adding of value to our raw materials.

    ”It is generally accepted that a nation’s economic wellbeing is largely dependent on the industrial/manufacturing sector,” he said.

    He noted that the industrial/manufacturing sector is labour intensive and could create millions of direct and indirect employments for people of diverse skills such as administrators, accountants, engineers, technicians, marketing & sales among others. 

    “It can also create indirect employment for supply chain actors in other sectors of the economy such as raw materials suppliers, logistics and transportation, farmers, and miners,” he said..

    Speaking on Dangote petroleum refinery, he said the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, has exported refined petroleum products such as aviation fuel, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), automotive gas oil, naphtha to many African, European, American and Asian markets and that the products conform to the Euro V specifications.

    He disclosed that the Dangote Petrochemical Complex has kicked off the production of polypropylene, a major raw material used in textile, plastic, furniture and pharmaceutical sectors.

     “According to the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN), the country imports 90 percent of its annual polypropylene requirements (amounting to 250,000 metric tonnes), but will now become a net exporter, generating foreign exchange to strengthen the economy. We 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,” he said .

    “As a conglomerate driving the diversification of Nigeria’s economy, while we produce critical household items, some of our other products serve as either feedstock or raw materials for other manufacturers.

    ”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 envisaging 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,” he said..

    Okerentie noted that dDngote Group’s participation in the Fair, apart from the exhibitions, is to seek connections with other businesses. 

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    The president of ECCIMA, Sir Odeiga Jideonwo expressed joy that Dangote Group had been part of the chamber’s success story in the hosting of the Enugu International Trade Fair over the years and had been major sponsor of the fair for the past four years.

    “There is no doubt that Dangote Plc has added a lot of value to the growth of the Nigerian economy, operating in almost every sector of the economy. 

    “The recent investment of Dangote Group into the oil and gas industry has taken the company to another level, especially with the positive impact Dangote Refinery has made on regulating the prices of Petroleum products in Nigeria. 

    “We commend the Dangote group for this and request that the Federal Government should give the company all needed support to continue to bring smile on the faces of Nigerians once again,” Jideonwo said.

  • Return of Dangote to Ogun State

    Return of Dangote to Ogun State

    Sir: These are probably the best of times for the government and people of Ogun State. For a state widely referred to as the gateway state and the industrial hub of the nation, it is about to witness the establishment of two gigantic projects, that is the building of another cement plant with a capacity of 6.0 million metric tons per annum, at Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area, and the construction of the biggest port at Olokola, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.

    What gladdens the mind is that this same cement plant was pushed out of the state few years ago due to some misunderstanding between the Dangote Group and the immediate past administration. For those who might want to know the sudden change of Dangote’s mind, it is imperative to look at the current administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun and his disposition to investors vis-a- vis investments.

    Abiodun, apart from being the number one promoter of investments in the region is also working assiduously to attract more investors to the state. He anchored his vision on leading a focused government that brings prosperity to the state and its people through public private partnership believing that no government or country could succeed in its development drive without active participation and contributions of the private sector.

    To encourage the private sector, the state government embarked on policy reforms and put in place needed infrastructure, like good road network and of course carried out a comprehensive overhaul of the security architecture to make the state safe for business and leisure.

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    For those who have come across the president of Dangote group, Aliko Dangote, he is a man who does not do things out of sentiment or emotions. He will not invest his hard earned money where the atmosphere is not conducive for business. To him, Ogun has really changed and the ambience is conducive enough for his two gigantic projects to make their way back to the state.

    To show that he meant what he said, he suggested that the state in addition of being known as the Gateway state, should add another title to its name as ‘the Bed Rock State” for being one of the most attractive investment destinations in Nigeria.

    It should be recalled that Dangote pulled out of the state some years ago when the administration of Governor Ibikunle Amosun destroyed his cement plant that was being constructed at Itori. Therefore, his return to Ogun, the state he once abandoned due to infrastructural and policy challenges, speaks volumes about the evolving economic landscape and opportunities under the current administration.

    Dangote’s return is not just symbolic—it comes with massive financial commitments. His company is reconstructing the Itori cement plant with two new production lines, each with a capacity of 6.0 million metric tons per annum. Combined with the Ibeshe plant’s output, Ogun State is poised to become the largest cement producer in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, with a total production capacity of 18 million metric tons per year.

    But Dangote’s ambitions don’t stop at cement as he has also announced plans to revive the Olokola Free Trade Zone (OKFTZ) and construct Nigeria’s largest port at Olokola. This development, if realized, could significantly boost Nigeria’s logistics sector, reducing dependence on the congested Lagos ports while enhancing international trade.

    Sure, the return of Dangote cement plant at Itori and the deep sea port at Olokola will drive further the industrialization process and the economic development of Nigeria and make Ogun State to continue to be the nation’s industrial hub.

    •Elijah Udofia,Laderin Abeokuta, Ogun State.

  • Dangote Group boosts efficiency with cutting-edge digital transformation

    Dangote Group boosts efficiency with cutting-edge digital transformation

    Dangote Industries Limited has reinforced its position as Africa’s leading conglomerate by implementing advanced digital technologies to enhance efficiency across its subsidiaries.

    Speaking at the 46th Kaduna International Trade Fair, Senior Advisor to the President of Dangote Group, Fatima Wali Abdurrahman, highlighted the company’s commitment to digital transformation, emphasizing its role in accelerating manufacturing and sales processes.

    In a statement issued by the Dangote Group, Abdurrahman noted, “As some of you may be aware, we have since digitized our manufacturing and sales processes through the deployment of automated and smart systems, particularly in our cement plants.”

    Her remarks came during the Dangote Special Day at the trade fair, which focused on the theme: Promoting Efficiency in Manufacturing, Trade, and Agriculture through Digital Transformation.

    She added that tasks that previously took days to complete are now accomplished within minutes, thanks to the company’s investment in automation.

    Dangote Group remains a key sponsor of this year’s trade fair, reinforcing its commitment to industrial innovation and growth.

    She said: “The integrated advanced technology adopted in all our operations; cement, sugar, salt, fertiliser, Petro-chemicals, and agriculture, has made us become leaders in all sectors where we play.

    According to her, customers of the company have voiced their immense satisfaction with this innovative ordering channel, reinforcing our commitment to enhancing their experience and propelling future growth.

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    “The DMS Application is available on both Android and iOS platforms for our registered customers in the cement, sugar, and salt sectors, ensuring they can easily access our products anytime, anywhere,” she added.

    According to her Dangote Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (DPAN) plant has leveraged on advanced technology of in the production of a 120-vehicle daily production capacity and an annual capacity of 44,000 units. 

    “By assembling globally renowned Peugeot models—such as the Landtrek pickup, 3008, 5008, and 508 GT—DPAN fosters trade by reducing import dependency and providing locally assembled vehicles at competitive prices,” she said.

    Speaking earlier, President of the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (KADCCIMA) Rsv Ishaya Idi commended the Dangote Group for its job creation strides in the country, saying the company has sustained its partnership with the Chamber.

    The president of the Chamber called on Nigerians to support the Dangote Group.

    He said the 46th Kaduna Trade Fair has offered the opportunity for both the company and the Chamber to interact.

    Dangote Group is the biggest employer of labour in the private sector in Nigeria.

    The company took the center stage during the fair, as the Federal Government affirmed its pivotal role in the country’s push towards industrialization.

    Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Dafang I. Sale, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, thanked the company for “doing a good job” in Nigeria.

    Speaking to newsmen in Kaduna, Director General of the Chamber, Alhaji Usman Saulawa, defined the Dangote Group as a conglomerate that is helping to drive the Nigerian economy.

    According to him, the company has not only made a significant positive impact on the business community in Kaduna State but has also contributed immensely to the growth of both the Nigerian, and global economy.

    He added: “Our selling point is the joint collaboration and full involvement of Kaduna State Government, Dangote Group and other companies.”

    He also acknowledged its partnership with the Dangote Group, describing it as the Unique Selling Point, and a major competitive advantage of the 46th Kaduna International Trade Fair.

  • Host communities laud Dangote group for CSR, support to families

    Host communities laud Dangote group for CSR, support to families

    Dangote Group of Companies has been commended for its commitment to corporate social responsibility and support to host communities, particularly during this period of economic hardship.

    Three community groups – Obajana Development and Peace Club, Benue Youth Alliance for Good Governance and Lekki Development Initiative – in a joint statement expressed profound appreciation and commendation to the company.

    The groups praised the Dangote Group for its dedication to enhancing the lives of Nigerians through its various subsidiaries and philanthropic efforts.

    In the statement by Omeiza Adeiza, Jimi Odusote and Terser Tiza, they noted that the company’s contributions to the well-being of Nigerians are truly commendable and urged other organizations to emulate its example.

    “We are pleased to issue this joint press statement to express our profound appreciation and commendation to the Dangote Group of Companies for its unwavering commitment to corporate social responsibility and support to host communities, particularly during this period of economic hardship.

    “As the largest conglomerate in West Africa and one of the largest on the African continent, the Dangote Group has demonstrated an unrelenting dedication to enhancing the lives of Nigerians through its various subsidiaries and philanthropic efforts. The company’s contributions to the well-being of our people are truly commendable, and we urge other organizations to emulate their example.

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    “The Dangote Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of the Dangote Group, has been instrumental in contributing over $100 million in charitable funds to several causes in Nigeria and Africa over the past four years. This is a testament to the company’s commitment to giving back to society which has enabled its growth and success.

    “Recently, the Aliko Dangote Foundation distributed over 1 million bags of rice across host communities and beyond, providing succor to many families affected by the current economic hardship. This gesture is a clear demonstration of the company’s empathy and concern for the welfare of Nigerians.

    “Furthermore, the Dangote Group has launched a novel Internship Scheme for students of tertiary institutions in the country, providing them with a one-year internship fully funded by the company. This initiative will not only provide practical and hands-on job experience but also equip the students with the necessary skills to excel in their chosen careers.

    “In addition, the company unveiled various empowerment programs, including skill acquisition, scholarship, farming techniques training, and empowerment of vulnerable women in its host communities. This is a clear indication of the company’s commitment to enhancing opportunities for social change and promoting quality education and economic empowerment.

    “We are particularly impressed with the company’s ‘Host Community Day’ initiative, which has brought joy and succour to many families in its host communities. The initiative has provided a platform for the company to interact with its host communities and understand their needs, thereby enabling it to tailor its corporate social responsibility initiatives to meet those needs.”

    The groups pledged support to the Dangote Group in its quest to make Nigeria a better place for all and called on other corporate organizations to follow in its footsteps.

    The statement further described the company as a shining example of corporate responsibility and philanthropy in Nigeria and looked forward to continued collaboration and partnership with the company in their quest for a better Nigeria.

    “We believe that the Dangote Group’s commitment to corporate social responsibility is a model that other organizations should emulate. We call on other corporate organizations to follow in the footsteps of the Dangote Group and invest in the well-being of their host communities,” the groups added. 

    “We pledge our support to the Dangote Group in its quest to make Nigeria a better place for all. We will continue to partner with the company in its corporate social responsibility initiatives and provide a platform for the company to reach out to its host communities.”