The Dangote Group has stressed the need for Nigeria to strengthen domestic production, reduce import dependence and expand exports to build economic resilience and competitiveness.
The Regional Director of Dangote Group, Hajia Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, said at the Group’s special day at the ongoing 21st Abuja International Trade Fair that economic resilience depended on expanding productive capacity and strengthening local supply chains.
Wali-Abdurrahman, who was represented by Mr. Abdullahi Dan-Musa, Group General Manager, said that Nigeria needed an investment environment that encouraged industrial growth, job creation, exports and sustainable economic development.
Wali-Abdurrahman said that businesses were contending with inflationary pressures, exchange-rate adjustments, evolving tax policies and technological disruptions.
She added that changing international trade patterns was 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 that the group’s investments covered cement, sugar, salt, seasoning, packaging, fertiliser, petrochemicals and petroleum refining, among others.
She said that the Dangote Cement had helped transform Nigeria from a major cement-importing market into a significant producer and exporter of cement.
“The company’s operations support employment while sustaining suppliers, distributors, contractors, transporters, retailers and other businesses across the value chain,” she said.
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.
She said that local manufacturing generated wider economic benefits by creating contracts, expanding distribution and supporting transportation.
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.
GIK/APA