Dangote Group Reaffirms Commitment to Nigeria’s Industrialisation, Unveils Major Expansion Projects

The Dangote Group has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to driving Nigeria’s full industrialisation and boosting Africa’s economic growth through massive investments across key sectors.

Speaking at the 2025 Lagos International Trade Fair organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the Group Executive Director, Commercial Operations, Mrs. Fatima Aliko-Dangote, said the company remains focused on advancing industrialisation as a path to value addition, economic diversification, and job creation.

Represented by Mrs. Funmi Sanni, Group Head, Sales and Marketing Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Aliko-Dangote revealed that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery would be expanded from its current capacity of 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day by 2028.

She described the fair’s theme, “Connecting Businesses, Creating Value,” as timely and reflective of the chamber’s mission to unite stakeholders, manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers for economic collaboration.

“Our investment philosophy remains that only Africans can develop Africa. This is why we have invested in many African countries,” she said.

Aliko-Dangote highlighted several ongoing projects, including the $2.5 billion Urea Fertiliser Production Complex in Gode, Ethiopia, developed in partnership with Ethiopian Investment Holdings. The project, she said, will create thousands of jobs and boost agricultural productivity.

The Group is also investing $400 million to expand the Dangote Cement Plant in Ethiopia, while its 3Mta Côte d’Ivoire grinding plant recently began operations, bringing the Group’s total installed cement capacity across Africa to 55Mta.

“This milestone reinforces our commitment to regional self-reliance and strengthens our position as Africa’s leading cement producer.
We have also begun constructing a new 6Mta integrated cement plant in Itori, Ogun State, primarily for export to neighbouring countries,” she added.

Aliko-Dangote reiterated the Group’s dedication to Nigeria’s industrial self-sufficiency through subsidiaries such as Dangote Fertiliser, Dangote Polypropylene, Dangote Sugar Refinery, and NASCON Allied Industries (Dangote Salt).

She emphasised Dangote Sugar’s $700 million investment in the Sugar Backward Integration Programme, aimed at ending Nigeria’s dependence on raw sugar imports through local production.

At the event, Mr. Ravindra Singhvi, Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, unveiled two new sugar packaging sizes — 25kg and 100g bags — in response to market demand and consumer convenience.

“The 25kg bag will make it easier for distributors and corporate customers to access fresh products without extra costs,” Singhvi said, noting that the move aligns with the company’s goal of producing sugar “from Nigeria, by Nigerians, and for Nigerians.”

Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, President of the LCCI, praised the Dangote Group’s vision and bold investments, describing the refinery as “a clear demonstration of industrial leadership and patriotism.”

“With the Dangote Refinery now able to meet Nigeria’s local fuel demand, the nation’s economic outlook looks brighter,” Idahosa said.

He added that the LCCI remains committed to fostering partnerships and advocating for policies that enable businesses and industries to thrive in a competitive global economy.

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