The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has disclosed that the conglomerate has invested over $700 million in sugar production as part of efforts to eliminate Nigeria’s dependence on imported raw sugar.
Dangote made this known in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the ‘Dangote Special Day’ at the ongoing 14th Gateway International Trade Fair, organized by the Ogun State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA). Represented by the Regional Director, Lagos/Ogun, Dangote Cement, Tunde Mabogunje, he emphasized that the investment covers land acquisition, machinery, infrastructure, manpower, and community development initiatives aimed at strengthening local sugar production.
As Nigeria’s leading sugar producer, Dangote Sugar Refinery (DSR) has played a pivotal role in the sector’s growth. Dangote reiterated the company’s commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in sugar production through its Sugar Backward Integration Plan (BIP).
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“In this regard, we have committed over $700 million in land acquisition, machinery, infrastructure, manpower, community relations, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and other impactful activities,” Dangote said.
Beyond sugar, the company is also making major investments in agriculture, with new products expected to hit the market soon to support the government’s food security agenda.
Dangote’s Expanding Global Footprint
Dangote Group’s investment strategy extends beyond Nigeria’s borders. The conglomerate has begun exporting fertilizer to international markets, including France, the United States, Mexico, Uruguay, and Argentina. Additionally, several African countries, such as Benin Republic, Zambia, and Cameroon, have also started receiving fertilizer exports from Dangote’s facilities.
The Dangote Refinery, which recently began operations, has also started exporting refined petroleum products to various countries, reinforcing Nigeria’s presence in the international oil market.
Similarly, Dangote Cement, with operations in over 10 African countries, has contributed significantly to export financing, with cement bags produced in Nigeria now being exported to other nations.
Dangote reaffirmed his group’s commitment to driving Nigeria’s economic diversification, particularly by reducing reliance on imported goods and expanding local manufacturing capabilities.
“As a conglomerate leading Nigeria’s diversification agenda, we will continue to explore opportunities in the manufacturing sector to replace imported goods with locally produced alternatives,” he stated.
This strategy, according to him, would create more jobs for Nigeria’s growing youth population, stimulate industrial growth, and boost economic development.
He also highlighted the importance of trade fairs like the Gateway International Trade Fair, noting that they provide opportunities to:
- Expand market awareness for Dangote products.
- Generate more sales and attract new customers.
- Improve the brand’s image and reputation.
- Explore new markets that can lead to job creation and economic expansion.
“We are confident that this longstanding partnership with OGUNCCIMA will not only be beneficial to Dangote Group and the state of Ogun, but to Nigeria, and indeed the entire African economy,” he added.
The Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide, who was present at the event, praised Dangote Group’s massive economic contributions, acknowledging its role in boosting various industries in Nigeria.
“There is no doubt that Alhaji Aliko Dangote has contributed immensely to Nigeria’s economic growth with his investments across various sectors. No household in Nigeria is without at least one Dangote product. I personally buy Dangote salt, and it is what I use in my house and on my farm,” Elemide stated.
The Speaker further encouraged other Nigerian entrepreneurs to emulate Dangote’s patriotism by investing in critical sectors such as oil and gas, agriculture, and manufacturing to drive economic prosperity.
While commending Dangote’s efforts, he also urged the company to improve its environmental sustainability measures, ensuring that its business operations align with eco-friendly practices.
Dangote Group has continued to set the pace for industrial growth in Nigeria, expanding across multiple sectors, including:
- Agriculture (sugar, rice, and fertilizer).
- Oil and Gas (Dangote Refinery).
- Cement Production (Dangote Cement).
- Manufacturing (salt, flour, and packaged goods).
As Nigeria grapples with economic diversification challenges, the company remains at the forefront of reducing import dependency, creating jobs, and fostering sustainable industrial development.