Nigeria’s long-awaited industrial take-off is being fast-tracked by the Dangote Refinery, a senior company official stated, positioning the massive oil complex as the catalyst for a rapid economic development.
Senior Adviser on Special Projects and Stakeholders Relations to the President of Dangote Group, Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, positioned the massive facility as more than just a fuel producer, but as the central stimulus for industrialization in Nigeria.
Mrs. Wali-Abdurrahman who was speaking at the opening of the 20th Abuja International Trade Fair on Monday said: “At Dangote Group, we have also shown through our refinery and cement that instead of exporting raw materials and importing finished goods, we must process more of what we produce here at home. This will not only create jobs and grow industries, but it will also reduce our dependence on imports and strengthen our economy.
She added:” Our massive investment in the Dangote Refinery is not only a bold step towards Nigeria’s industrial ambition but also a reflection of our commitment to sustainability.
“From its conception, the refinery was designed with cutting-edge technology and efficiency measures. It stands as proof that large-scale industrialization and sustainability can go hand in hand, setting a benchmark for future projects in Africa.”
Dangote Industries Limited is one of the sponsors of the Abuja Trade Fair with the theme: Sustainability: Consumption, Incentives, and Taxation.
She added: “Our relationship with Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) is not merely transactional; it is a strategic partnership built on a vision for a prosperous and industrialized Nigeria.”
She said the Dangote Group is not only sponsoring but participating in the 12-day event.
Some of the Strategic Business Units of the company at the Fair, she said, include: Dangote Cement, Dangote Salt, Dangote Sugar, Dangote Packaging, Dangote Fertiliser and Dangote Sinotruck, among others.
President of ACCI, Dr. Emeka Obegolu, told newsmen that the Chamber’s “collaboration with Dangote Group reflects our commitment to driving economic growth, strengthening trade, and creating opportunities for businesses and communities. The Dangote Group’s active participation in the 20th edition of the Trade Fair further demonstrates its role as a key player in Nigeria’s industrial and commercial landscape.”
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Monday, Dr. Obegolu said the 12-day Fair is expected to attract over 100,000 participants.
Other highlights of the fair, he said, include the launch of Buy Africa, Build Africa, (BABA) which is a flagship initiative that celebrates African products, services and creativity.
According to him, the BABA initiative is more than a festival; “it is a call to action for Africans to trade with Africa and build Africa.”
He said the Trade Fair provides a platform for business leaders seeking expansion and investment opportunities, as well as government institutions driving reforms and economic growth.
