Dangote to unveil new agricultural products to support FG in food security
By Omolola Dede Adeyanju
In a bid to support the government in Food Security, Dangote Group Plc has disclosed her current investment in the agricultural sector, stating that the agricultural products will soon be distributed into the market.
The group executive director, commercial operations, Fatima Aliko-Dangote, made this known during the
Dangote special day at the 2024 lagos international trade fair on Wednesday.
Represented by the Director, Depot and Logistics at Dangote Cement Plc, Mr Dolapo Ali, the Group ED submitted the company’s focus on manufacturing. Noting that the Dangote Group rely on a network of suppliers and service providers for inputs and materials that cannot be sourced by themselves, she stated that as a conglomerate driving the diversification of Nigeria’s economy, while producing critical household items, some of the company’s other products serve as either feedstock or raw materials for other manufacturers.
“Our recent flagship project, the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals, has commenced operations with the rollout of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), automotive gas oil, JET A1, and other products, including polypropylene. We are optimistic that many new manufacturing outfits will emerge relying on both the products and byproducts of the petroleum complex as feedstock in their production processes.
Speaking on the coherence of the 2024 LITF theme ‘Connecting Businesses, Creating Value,” which resonates deeply with the Dangote Group’s commitment on business connections. She expressed the necessity for connections in Business at various levels—business-to-business, distributorship, and ultimately with the final consumers.
In respect to this, Fatima examined the evolution of mutual interdependent industries by creating linkages between different industrial sectors. “The linkages will provide cushions to the economy, preventing disruptions in prod Linkages are vital in sustainable economic and industrial development. We are envisaging a connected and interlinked manufacturing sector that will produce goods that are usually imported, and in the process create more jobs for the growing youth population.
“Our participation in this Fair, apart from the exhibitions, is to seek connections with other businesses. We have dedicated staff on ground manning the offices at our stand who are to provide necessary information to all businesses and individuals who desire to do business with us.”
However, highlighting the Group’s interventions in the economy, she said, “We have commenced export of products from our petroleum refinery to other parts of the world. We also export fertiliser.” For Road Construction and Rehabilitation, she disclosed that through partnerships with both federal and state governments, actively participated in road construction and rehabilitation projects. Citing the Obajana-Kabba road as well as the Apapa-Oshodi-Oworonshoki expressway in Lagos and the Ibeju-Lekki Expressway using concrete.
“Dangote Group also plays a critical role in export financing, particularly through its cement business. With operations in over 10 African countries, the group has facilitated the export of cement from Nigeria to other African markets. Dangote Fertiliser has exported several ship loads of fertiliser to France, USA, Mexico, Uruguay and Argentina and to African countries which include Republic of Benin, Zambia, Cameroon, South Africa, Cote’ Ivoire and Mozambique.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has also exported refined petroleum to several countries, strengthening Nigeria’s position in regional trade.
“Dangote Fertiliser Limited is the largest Granulated Urea Fertiliser complex in Africa. The plant has a capacity of 3 MMTPA, with a vision to make Nigeria self-reliant in food production by improving crop yield and overall productivity for the farmers.” She stated.
For Dangote Sugar, Fatima explained that over $700 million in land acquisition, machinery, infrastructure, manpower, community relations, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and other impactful activities.
Similarly, the ED enumerated the Group’s support for the government in Food Security, “we are also investing in the agricultural sector. These agricultural products will soon be in the market.
“NASCON Allied Industries Plc (Dangote Salt), one of our subsidiaries that produces salt, seasoning and spices. Our flagship product, Dangote table salt is a finely refined product for home/domestic use.
In line with the International Council for Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (ICCID), Dangote refined salt is iodized to promote good health by reducing the chances/risks of iodine deficiency. Dangote salt is refined from the finest quality sea-salts.” She added.
Meanwhile, the President/Chairman of the Council, Lagos Chamber for Commerce and Industry, Mr Gabriel Idahosa, FCA examined the 2023 LITF theme, “Connecting Businesses, Creating Value,” which resonates deeply with the drive for industrialization as championed by some large-heart conglomerates like the Dangote Group.
He commended the group, saying, “Through its vast network of subsidiaries, the Dangote Group has mastered the art of creating value chains within Nigeria, providing both direct and indirect employment to thousands. It has also helped reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports by producing essential goods locally, from cement to foodstuffs and fertilizers. The Dangote Group’s commitment to domestic production has not only boosted Nigeria’s GDP but also fostered a culture of self-reliance and resilience, encouraging other Nigerian businesses to follow suit.”
Citing the Dangote Refinery, a $19 billion project, he said, it is one of Africa’s most ambitious private sector investments. Set to produce 650,000 barrels per day (bpd), which is now a game changer, reducing Nigeria’s dependency on imported petroleum products, saving the country billions in foreign exchange annually.
Furthermore, the President urged everyone to remember the collective power of “Connecting Businesses, Creating Value.” “As members of the LCCI, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and citizens, we must support and champion initiatives that strengthen our economy, empower our people, and create a legacy of prosperity for the future.
“Businesses have continued to suffer from increasing burdens of rising operating costs incurred on logistics, power supply, scarcity of FOREX for critical input, and inflated costs on third-party sourced services. With the CBN’s monetary policy rate at 27.25 percent (with allowance up to about 34%), inflation elevated at 32.70 percent (September 2024), an exchange rate above N1620 per USD Dollar, and an unemployment rate at 5.3 percent, we run a business environment that is too tense for businesses to thrive. Since the inception of this administration, petrol prices have risen by about 430 percent to date.
These indicators may worsen in the coming months due to a thriving speculative environment, harsh regulatory ecosystem, unguided controversies, persistent insecurity challenges, and weakening purchasing power that restrains demand for goods and services.
“At a crossroads with policy directions, Nigeria needs a positive national orientation to navigate the stormy waters we find ourselves in today. We therefore recommend that the government come plain to Nigerians and businesses on the direction of their policies and what near-term achievements are possible. This will build some level of certainty to support business planning and decisions.” he added.
