Vanguard Newspaper has reported via its official X handle that the Dangote Group has invested over $700 million in sugar production as part of its strategic move to eliminate Nigeria’s dependence on raw sugar imports.
Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, made this revelation on Wednesday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the ‘Dangote Special Day’ at the ongoing 14th Gateway International Trade Fair, organized by the Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA).
Dangote, represented by Tunde Mabogunje, Regional Director, Lagos/Ogun Dangote Cement, emphasized that this massive investment spans land acquisition, advanced machinery, infrastructure development, manpower, and impactful community initiatives—all geared toward accelerating local sugar production and achieving self-sufficiency in the sector.
According to Dangote, the company remains unwavering in its commitment to the National Sugar Development Council’s (NSDC) Backward Integration Policy (BIP), a government initiative aimed at reducing sugar imports and encouraging local production.
> “We are determined to ensure that Nigeria stops the importation of raw sugar by intensifying our backward integration program. To this end, we have committed over $700 million to land acquisition, infrastructure, machinery, community relations, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects.”
Beyond sugar, Dangote Group has been making significant inroads into the agricultural sector to support Nigeria’s food security goals. The conglomerate has also scaled up exports of fertilizers to major global markets, including France, the United States, Mexico, Uruguay, and Argentina. Additionally, it supplies fertilizers to several African countries, such as Benin Republic, Zambia, and Cameroon.
Dangote further highlighted the growing impact of its refinery operations, noting that refined petroleum products from the Dangote Refinery are already being exported to various countries. The company’s cement plants in Nigeria and 10 other African nations have significantly bolstered export financing, with thousands of bags of cement shipped abroad.
> “As a conglomerate leading the diversification of Nigeria’s economy, we are focused on producing goods that are typically imported. This will not only conserve foreign exchange but also generate employment for our rapidly growing youth population.”
Dangote expressed optimism that participation in trade fairs, such as the Gateway International Trade Fair, would further expand awareness of its innovative products, increase sales, attract potential buyers, and open new markets.
> “Through this platform, we aim to strengthen our brand presence, unlock new business opportunities, and contribute to Nigeria’s overall economic development. We are confident that our longstanding partnership with OGUNCCIMA will yield mutual benefits for Nigeria and the broader African economy.”
Speaking at the event, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide, lauded the Dangote Group for its substantial contributions to Nigeria’s industrialization and economic stability.
> “Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s investments have significantly impacted Nigeria’s economy. There is hardly a household in this country without a Dangote product. Personally, I use Dangote salt, both at home and on my farm.”
He encouraged Dangote to sustain his investments in critical sectors such as oil and gas, agriculture, and manufacturing, and urged other Nigerian entrepreneurs to emulate his patriotism and visionary leadership in economic transformation.
“Nigeria’s economic fortunes would be vastly improved if more entrepreneurs followed Dangote’s example. His world-class petroleum refinery is a game-changer, and we need more investors to drive similar national development projects.”
With Dangote Group at the forefront of industrial growth, self-sufficiency, and job creation, Nigeria is poised for a more diversified and resilient economy.
PIONEER NEWS 