Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has reaffirmed the company’s determination to eliminate Nigeria’s reliance on raw sugar imports by investing over $700 million in local sugar production. Speaking at the 14th Gateway International Trade Fair in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dangote, represented by Tunde Mabogunje, Regional Director of Dangote Cement (Lagos/Ogun), emphasized the group’s efforts to accelerate its Sugar Backward Integration Plan.
He explained that the ongoing investment covers land acquisition, infrastructure, machinery procurement, workforce development, and corporate social responsibility initiatives to ensure Nigeria attains self-sufficiency in sugar production. This strategy aligns with the federal government’s agenda for local industrial growth and economic self-reliance.
Beyond sugar production, Dangote Group is also expanding its footprint in the export market. The conglomerate has commenced fertilizer exports to international markets, including France, the United States, Mexico, Uruguay, Argentina, and several African nations such as Benin Republic, Zambia, and Cameroon. Additionally, the Dangote Refinery has begun exporting refined petroleum products, further reducing Nigeria’s dependency on imports.
Highlighting the group’s role in Nigeria’s economic diversification, Dangote noted that its cement production investments across Nigeria and over 10 African countries have enhanced export financing and contributed significantly to job creation. He assured that the company remains committed to exploring new opportunities in the manufacturing sector to strengthen local industries, create employment, and drive sustainable economic growth.
Dangote expressed optimism that the trade fair would serve as a valuable platform to expand market reach, boost awareness of Dangote products, and foster business collaborations that will further contribute to Nigeria’s economic progress. He also reaffirmed the company’s longstanding partnership with the Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA), stressing that their collaboration would bring mutual benefits and broader economic gains for Nigeria and Africa.
The Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide, commended Dangote Group for its significant contributions to the Nigerian economy. However, he encouraged the company to intensify efforts toward environmental sustainability to ensure industrial growth aligns with global environmental standards.
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