Dangote Group has urged Nigeria to strengthen domestic production, reduce import dependence and expand exports to build economic resilience and competitiveness.
Hajia Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, Regional Director, Dangote Group, made the call on Friday at the group’s special day at the 21st Abuja International Trade Fair.
Wali-Abdurrahman, represented by Mr Abdullahi Dan-Musa, Group General Manager, said economic resilience depended on expanding productive capacity and strengthening local supply chains.
She said Nigeria needed an investment environment that encouraged industrial growth, job creation, exports and sustainable economic development.
Wali-Abdurrahman said 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 goes 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,” she said.
Wali-Abdurrahman said the group’s investments covered cement, sugar, salt, seasoning, packaging, fertiliser, petrochemicals and petroleum refining, among others.
She 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 said.
Wali-Abdurrahman said the group had extended its Pan-African industrial vision to energy, with construction beginning on its refinery and petrochemicals project in Lamu, Kenya.
She said local manufacturing generated wider economic benefits by creating contracts, expanding distribution and supporting transportation.
She added that manufacturing also helped develop technical skills among young Nigerians while strengthening domestic supply chains.
Wali-Abdurrahman said taxation remained essential for funding infrastructure, education, healthcare, security and other public services supporting economic activity.
She, however, called for a predictable, transparent and efficient tax environment that would encourage compliance without discouraging investment and innovation.
Wali-Abdurrahman said Dangote Petroleum Refinery currently had a refining capacity of 700,000 barrels per day, with expansion to 1.4 million barrels planned.
She said the refinery would support energy security, reduce dependence on imported refined products and conserve foreign exchange.
She 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.
She said the target would be pursued through industrial expansion and cross-border investments across Africa.
Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, First Deputy President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), 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 said the fair brought together businesses, investors, government institutions, diplomatic missions, entrepreneurs and consumers to create commercial relationships.
According to him, the platform also stimulates economic activity and provides 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 said the partnership between Dangote and ACCI demonstrated the role of responsible corporate participation in sustaining platforms promoting commerce and enterprise.
He said Dangote’s investments in cement, fertiliser, agriculture, refining and petrochemicals demonstrated the importance of domestic productive capacity.
He added that the investments also 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.
He said the partnership supported Nigerian businesses, trade, investment and sustainable economic development.
