The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has reaffirmed the company’s commitment to stopping raw sugar importation in Nigeria by investing heavily in local production, reported The Whistler.
Speaking at the 14th Gateway International Trade Fair in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dangote revealed that the company has invested over $700 million in land acquisition, machinery, infrastructure, manpower, and other critical areas to boost sugar production.
“We are dedicated to ensuring that Nigeria no longer imports raw sugar by ramping up the implementation of our Sugar Backward Integration initiative,” he stated.
“To achieve this, we have committed over $700 million towards land acquisition, machinery, infrastructure, manpower, community relations, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and other key activities.”
Represented by Tunde Mabogunje, Regional Director, Lagos/Ogun, Dangote Cement, he also highlighted the group’s efforts in enhancing food security through investments in the agricultural sector, with new products expected to hit the market soon.
Beyond sugar production, Dangote Group is a key player in export financing, particularly in the cement and fertiliser industries.
“With operations in more than 10 African countries, we have facilitated the export of cement from Nigeria to other African markets. Dangote Fertiliser has also exported several shipments of fertiliser to France, the USA, Mexico, Uruguay, and Argentina, as well as African nations like Benin, Zambia, Cameroon, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mozambique,” he added.
He reiterated the company’s strong partnership with the Ogun Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) and its broader contribution to Nigeria’s and Africa’s economy.
Additionally, he noted that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has begun exporting refined petroleum products, further strengthening Nigeria’s role in regional trade.
“Through this platform, we aim to raise awareness of our innovative products, generate sales, attract potential buyers, enhance our brand image, and explore new markets that will lead to job creation and economic growth,” he concluded.
