Yemisi Izuora
Dangote Group has reaffirmed its position as leading investor with determined anticipation to create strong growth base for the Nigerian economy that will promote industrial production and job generation.
Speaking at Dangote’s special day at the ongoing Lagos International Trade Fair, Group Executive Director, Commercial Operations of the conglomerate, Fatima Aliko-Dangote, said the Group’s focus is primarily on manufacturing and that as a manufacturer, it relies on a network of suppliers and service providers for inputs and materials that as it cannot source on its own.
“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 Executive Director said.
Speaking on the refinery, she said its recent flagship project, the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals, has commenced operations with the rollout of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), automotive gas oil, JET A1, and other products, including polypropylene. “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.” Aliko-Dangote explained.
Additionally she said, the evolution of these mutual interdependent industries is expected to revolutionise Nigeria’s economy by creating linkages between different industrial sectors, adding, “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.”
The Group’s participation in this Fair, apart from the exhibitions, is to seek connections with other businesses, she said pointing “We have dedicated staff on ground manning the offices at our stand who are to provide necessary information to all businesses and individuals who desire to do business with us.
Our interventions”
In addition she said, “We have commenced export of products from our petroleum refinery to other parts of the world. We also export fertiliser. These exports have upended the distributive system which sees Nigeria as an end destination, now to a country of origin of refined products and byproducts such as Naphtha. The change comes with attendant benefits as vessels berthing and queueing in Nigeria to receive products for export, with the attendant income for the nation.”
Speaking on intervention in road construction, she said through partnerships with both federal and state governments, Dangote Group has actively participated in road construction and rehabilitation projects aimed at improving transport conditions.
Providing evidence, she mentioned intervention in the reconstructed Obajana-Kabba road as well as the Apapa-Oshodi-Oworonshoki expressway in Lagos.
The Group is also reconstructing the Ibeju-Lekki Expressway using concrete which is more durable than the normal asphalt roads, with an estimated lifespan of 100 years.
Dangote Group also plays a critical role in export financing, particularly through its cement business.
With operations in over 10 African countries, the group has facilitated the export of cement from Nigeria to other African markets.
Dangote Fertiliser has exported several ship loads of fertiliser to France, USA, Mexico, Uruguay and Argentina and to African countries which include Republic of Benin, Zambia, Cameroon, South Africa, Cote’ Ivoire and Mozambique. Dangote Petroleum Refinery has also exported refined petroleum to several countries. Through this, Dangote Group strengthens Nigeria’s position in regional trade.
The Group’s other business units are at the forefront of creating values and is on record that Dangote Cement enabled Nigeria to attain self-sufficiency in local production of cement.
Nigeria is not only a leading producer of cement, but our export capacity has helped also reduced pressure on foreign exchange.
Also, Fatima Aliko-Dangote said thenDangote Fertiliser Limited is the largest Granulated Urea Fertiliser complex in Africa.
The plant has a capacity of 3 MMTPA, with a vision to making Nigeria self-reliant in food production by improving crop yield and overall productivity for the farmers.