Dangote Group urges FG to boost production, cut imports

Dangote Group has urged the Federal Government to strengthen domestic production, reduce import dependence, and expand exports to build economic resilience and competitiveness.

The Regional Director of Dangote Group, Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, made the call at the company’s special day at the 21st Abuja International Trade Fair on Friday, October 2, 2026.

Wali-Abdurrahman, who was represented by the Group General Manager, Abdullahi Dan-Musa, said economic resilience depended on expanding productive capacity and strengthening local supply chains.

She said Nigeria needed an investment environment that encouraged industrial growth, job creation, exports and sustainable economic development.

Wali-Abdurrahman stated that businesses were contending with inflationary pressures, exchange-rate adjustments, evolving tax policies and technological disruptions.

Wali-Abdurrahman added that changing international trade patterns were also creating new challenges for businesses operating in Nigeria.

According to her, economic resilience goes beyond withstanding difficulties to include adapting, innovating and continuing to invest in the future.

“Dangote Group remains committed to building productive capacity across Nigeria and Africa through investments that create jobs and strengthen local supply chains,” she said.

Wali-Abdurrahman said the company’s investments covered cement, sugar, salt, seasoning, packaging, fertiliser, petrochemicals, and petroleum refining, among others.

She said Dangote Cement had helped transform Nigeria from a major cement-importing market into a significant producer and exporter.

“The company’s operations support employment while sustaining suppliers, distributors, contractors, transporters, retailers and other businesses across the value chain,” she added.

Wali-Abdurrahman said the group had extended its Pan-African industrial vision to energy, with construction beginning on its refinery and petrochemicals project in Lamu, Kenya.

Wali-Abdurrahman said local manufacturing generated wider economic benefits by creating contracts, expanding distribution and supporting transportation.

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She added that manufacturing also helped develop technical skills among young Nigerians while strengthening domestic supply chains.

Wali-Abdurrahman said taxation remained essential for funding infrastructure, education, healthcare, security and other public services supporting economic activity.

She, however, called for a predictable, transparent and efficient tax environment that would encourage compliance without discouraging investment and innovation.

Wali-Abdurrahman said Dangote Petroleum Refinery currently had a refining capacity of 700,000 barrels per day, with expansion to 1.4 million barrels planned.

She said the refinery would support energy security, reduce dependence on imported refined products and conserve foreign exchange.

Wali-Abdurrahman added that the facility would also help develop local technical expertise and strengthen Nigeria’s industrial capacity.

Wali-Abdurrahman stressed that the company’s Vision 2030 was aimed at transforming Dangote Industries Limited into a $100 billion enterprise.

She said the target would be pursued through industrial expansion and cross-border investments across Africa.