Dangote Vows to Industrialise Africa, Expands Refinery and Cement Capacity
…ECCIMA Endorses 15% Import Tax on PMS and Diesel
By Patience Ikpeme
Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), has vowed to advance Industrialisation across Nigeria and the African continent, pledging to sustain its transformative investments and leadership in driving sustainable economic growth.
Speaking during the Dangote Special Day at the ongoing 2025 Lagos International Trade Fair held at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, the Group Executive Director, Commercial Operations, Hajiya Fatima Aliko Dangote, said the company remains determined to strengthen Africa’s productive capacity through large-scale investments in energy, manufacturing, and agriculture.
Represented by the Group Sales and Marketing Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Mrs. Funmi Sanni, Aliko Dangote described industrialisation as the surest route to economic diversification, value addition, and job creation for Nigeria’s growing youth population.
“The theme of this year’s trade fair, ‘Connecting Businesses, Creating Value,’ is both timely and relevant,” she said. “It captures the Chamber’s vision of bringing together stakeholders, manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and consumers in one space to foster business-to-business and business-to-consumer engagements. Such engagements help generate valuable feedback for improvement and innovation.”
She revealed that Dangote Group plans to expand the capacity of its Petroleum Refinery from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day by 2028, positioning it as one of the largest refineries globally.
“As Africa’s leading indigenous conglomerate, Dangote Industries is deeply connected to several businesses across the world and continues to create value,” she said, adding that the company’s investment philosophy remains anchored on the belief that “only Africans can develop Africa.”
She recalled the recent groundbreaking ceremony of a $2.5 billion, 3-million-metric-tonne Urea Fertiliser Production Complex in Gode, Ethiopia, developed in partnership with the Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH).
“The new plant will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs and boost agricultural output across the region,” she explained.
Aliko Dangote also disclosed a $400 million expansion of the Dangote Cement Plant in Ethiopia, where a second production line is under construction. In Côte d’Ivoire, the company’s 3Mta grinding plant began operations in the third quarter of 2025, increasing the Group’s total installed cement capacity to 55 million tonnes per annum across Africa.
“This milestone reinforces our commitment to regional self-reliance and strengthens our position as the continent’s leading cement producer,” she said. “We have also begun constructing a new 6Mta integrated cement plant in Itori, Ogun State, which will serve as a dedicated export facility to neighbouring countries.”
She noted that Dangote Fertiliser Limited and Dangote Polypropylene would undergo capacity expansion to deepen their contributions to Nigeria’s domestic economy, while Dangote Sugar Refinery continues to drive its Backward Integration Programme (BIP) to end raw sugar importation.
“In this regard, the company has committed over $700 million to land acquisition, infrastructure, machinery, manpower, community relations, and corporate social responsibility,” she said.
A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of two new categories of Dangote Sugar—the 100-gram sachet and the 25-kilogram bag—by the Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, Mr. Ravindra Singhvi.
Singhvi acknowledged the remarkable growth of the Dangote Group, describing it as “the largest industrial conglomerate in Africa and a key global player.”
He announced that the new sugar packs are designed to cater to changing consumer preferences and market demand. “We currently offer 50kg bags, both fortified and unfortified. In response to market dynamics, we are introducing 25kg bags and 100-gram sachets to serve diverse consumer segments,” he said.
The CEO added that Dangote Sugar remains focused on producing sugar “from Nigeria, by Nigerians, and for Nigerians,” as part of its drive toward self-sufficiency and national food security.
President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, commended the Dangote Group for its unwavering partnership and visionary leadership, describing the conglomerate as “a reliable pillar of support for Nigeria’s industrial transformation.”
He said the Chamber deeply valued its collaboration with Dangote Industries, noting that the company’s consistent support has been vital to the Chamber’s success.
“The role of visionary industrial leadership is crucial in navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving global economy,” Idahosa said. “The Dangote Group has demonstrated exceptional foresight by investing where others hesitated. The commissioning of the Dangote Refinery is a clear example of patriotic industrialism—showing an entrepreneur genuinely committed to national development.”
He stated that with the refinery’s confirmed capacity to meet domestic fuel demand, Nigeria’s economic outlook “appears far more promising,” and called for more private sector participation in infrastructure and production.
“The LCCI remains committed to fostering partnerships, promoting policy advocacy, and creating platforms that enable businesses to thrive,” he said.
In a related development, the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA) has applauded the Federal Government’s decision to impose a 15 percent tax on imported petrol and diesel, describing it as a “bold and strategic move” that will stimulate economic growth, encourage local production, and create jobs.
According to ECCIMA, the decision aligns with the broader goal of promoting domestic manufacturing and strengthening the naira. The Chamber argued that Nigeria’s dependence on imported finished goods has long weakened the national currency and undermined economic self-reliance.
“The naira cannot appreciate while over 80 percent of our needs remain import dependent,” ECCIMA said in a statement. “By imposing higher tariffs on goods that can be produced locally, the government is taking an essential step toward revitalizing local industries.”
The Chamber noted that the importation of refined petroleum products since the 1990s contributed significantly to Nigeria’s economic challenges, citing the failure of government-owned refineries and the over-issuance of fuel import licenses as key setbacks.
Drawing comparisons with global practices, ECCIMA observed that major economies such as the United States and China protect their domestic industries by discouraging the importation of goods that can be produced internally.
ECCIMA further commended Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group, for his “visionary investment” in the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which it said has already begun meeting Nigeria’s domestic fuel needs and earning foreign exchange for the country.
“The planned expansion of the refinery from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day is a source of great confidence that Nigeria can soon meet its full demand locally and reduce reliance on imports,” the Chamber said.
It also urged the government to grant more refinery licenses to indigenous investors to accelerate Nigeria’s transition from a crude oil exporter to a net exporter of refined products.
“Eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks in licensing will attract more investors, foster competition, and guarantee supply stability for both domestic and export markets,” ECCIMA added.
The Chamber concluded that if properly implemented, the policy could transform Nigeria into a global hub for refined petroleum exports, create thousands of jobs, and strengthen the country’s foreign exchange position.
“Nigeria has the potential to become a global leader in refined petroleum exports,” ECCIMA said. “We fully support private sector initiatives like the Dangote Refinery and any government policy that protects and promotes local industries. Stakeholders must rally behind this effort to ensure sustainable national growth.”
