Dangote Industries Ltd. has restated its goal of helping Nigeria reduce its reliance on imported goods by building stronger local industries in cement, agriculture, petroleum refining, and mining.
Dr. Abayomi Shittu, Regional Sales Director for the Southeast region of Dangote Cement, spoke during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the 36th Enugu International Trade Fair, currently ongoing in Enugu. Shittu explained that Dangote Industries operates in a wide range of sectors, including cement, sugar, salt, poly products, real estate, agriculture, logistics, telecommunications, steel, oil, and gas.
He noted that Dangote Cement Plc, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, and NASCON Allied Industries Plc (the makers of Dangote Salt) are publicly listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, which shows the company’s strong presence and long-term commitment to the country’s economic development.
“Our continued innovation, value creation, and investments in Nigeria are driven by our deep belief in the country’s vast economic potential,” he added.
Dr. Shittu also pointed to some of the ways the company is supporting local economies. He said the Dangote Sugar Refinery’s out-grower scheme has created jobs for thousands of local farmers, which has in turn helped to strengthen the communities where the company operates.
In terms of agriculture, he noted the growing influence of Dangote Fertiliser and the benefits it is expected to bring to food production across the country. He also spoke about the future impact of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which is expected to support new businesses and services by increasing access to fuel and other petroleum products.
“In addition, we recruit engineering and technology graduates and train them across various areas of industrial operations to build local capacity,” Shittu said.
He also gave credit to the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA) for their role in organizing trade fairs that connect companies with partners and customers. According to Shittu, the Enugu trade fair is an important event, especially because of the region’s strong industrial base.
“ECCIMA trade fairs offer a unique opportunity for industries like ours to connect with customers and partners from across these regions,” he noted.
