Minna: The Director General of the Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NCCIMA), Adamu Salihu, has described the Dangote Group as a transformative force in Africa’s economic renaissance, emphasizing its role in industrializing not just Nigeria, but the entire continent.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Salihu spoke ahead of the Dangote Special Day at the 22nd Niger National Trade Fair in Minna, where he highlighted the conglomerate’s achievements in sectors such as cement, sugar, salt, fertilizer, agriculture, and energy. He noted that Dangote Group’s continued investments serve as a model of indigenous industrialization, proving that African entrepreneurs can build globally competitive enterprises.
Salihu elaborated on the fair’s theme, “Public-Private Partnership as a Panacea for Nigeria’s Growth and Stability,” underscoring the importance of collaboration between government and the private sector for sustainable development. He remarked that Dangote Group’s investment profile aligns with Niger State’s development priorities, particularly in agriculture, where the company’s activities complement the state’s ambitions to become Nigeria’s leading food production hub.
The Director General expressed optimism about the Group’s Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to unlock large-scale investments in agriculture, mining, and agro-processing in Niger. The Dangote Group currently operates in over a dozen African countries, with interests spanning multiple industries, and focuses on building local manufacturing capacity, creating jobs, and reducing import dependence.
Salihu pointed out the impact of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which has reshaped Nigeria’s energy landscape by conserving foreign exchange, eliminating fuel shortages, and opening new opportunities for indigenous investors. He noted that the refinery’s positive effects extend to states through lower logistics costs and improved fuel availability, supporting manufacturing, agriculture, and commerce.
He urged Nigerian entrepreneurs to follow Aliko Dangote’s example by investing in the country and building businesses that create long-term value. Salihu also encouraged large corporations to integrate nano, micro, small, and medium enterprises into their supply chains, with chambers of commerce helping identify credible businesses to serve as suppliers and service providers.
Salihu called on exhibitors, investors, and the public to support the Niger National Trade Fair as a strategic platform for promoting investment and advancing economic aspirations. He mentioned that Dangote Group’s industrial ambitions extend beyond Nigeria, with recent discussions on establishing a major refinery in East Africa, reflecting the company’s commitment to transforming Africa’s economy.
The proposal aims to replicate the 650,000 barrels-per-day Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lagos for the East African market, subject to government support. Salihu described this move as a demonstration of Dangote Group’s strategic vision to build world-class industrial assets, reduce Africa’s import dependence, conserve foreign exchange, create jobs, and strengthen regional value chains. Aliko Dangote announced the proposal at the ‘Africa We Build’ Summit in Nairobi, asserting readiness to construct an identical refinery in East Africa within the next four to five years, contingent on government backing.