The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has said Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), is a trail blazer of local content values and called for investments in local industries for economic growth.
Special Adviser to Dangote, Fatima Wali-Abdulrahman, who represented the Africa’s richest man, stated this at the ongoing Kaduna International Trade Fair.
According to Dangote, the DIL has been championing the cause of local content and contributing significantly to the economic growth of Nigeria and the African continent as a whole.
He said: “By investing in local industries, talent, and resources, DIL does not only create jobs but also empower communities and foster sustainable economic growth.
The aim, according to him, is to commit to deepening local content values across its various business sectors in line with the theme of the 45th series of the Kaduna Trade Fair- Sustainable Economic Recovery Through Deepening of Local Content Value Chain.
Dangote noted that the DIL sources it’s limestone locally, and is adjudged the biggest employer of local labour in Nigeria, and now refining its crude to bring succor to Nigerians.
Furthermore, he noted that Dangote Group has made substantial investments in industrialization- from cement to sugar, from salt to agriculture and more recently oil & gas, all strategically positioned to leverage local resources and contribute significantly to the nation’s GDP with resounding results like the creation of employment, skills enhancement, capacity building, etc.
The company pledged it would continue to support the people and government of Kaduna State and Nigeria through the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF).
“In addition to these domestic contributions, the Dangote Group has expanded its footprint across the African continent, promoting regional economic integration and positioning Nigeria as a key player in intra-Africa trade.”
In his remarks, the President of the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA), Ishaya Idi said: “The chamber has noted with great concern that despite the abundance of solid minerals, agricultural commodities and raw materials, our nation continues to lose billions of dollars annually on account of lack of value addition in its handling, production and export processes.
He noted that focus is placed more on instant profits from exporting raw materials with low level of value chain addition.
He expressed gratitude to Dangote for all the support to KADCCIMA.
“The chamber has enjoyed the partnership and support of Dangote Group in promoting the competitiveness of our nation in the global market arena through aggressive value chain development.”, Idi added.