Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President, Dangote Group, has restated his commitment to adding value to the nation’s natural endowment, to build a virile economy for Nigeria and Africa.
Dangote made the statement on Tuesday in Lagos during the Dangote Group’s Special Day at the ongoing Lagos International Trade Fair.
Dangote was represented by Mr Mansur Ahmed, Executive Director, Stakeholders Management and Corporate Communications, Dangote Group.
The fair is an annual event organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).
He said that the conglomerate was committed to a diversified economy of Nigeria by exploring opportunities in different sub sectors.
Dangote said that what Nigeria and Africa needed was to add value to its natural resources toward improving its competitiveness in the global economy.
According to him, the company operates in about 12 African countries, adding that it’s Congo operation will be commissioned next week.
He said that within the next five to 10 years, Dangote would not just be the largest conglomerate in Africa but aspires to be among the top 20 in the world.
Dangote said that it’s yearly participation at the fair had challenged them to do more, adding that the company and LCCI were partners in continous growth, industrialisation and diversification of the nation’s economy.
Mrs Nike Akande, President, LCCI, said that Dangote’s activities has helped to improve the country’s industrialisation quest by spreading its footprint nationwide and beyond Africa.
“The Group is a proudly Nigerian company operating in most states of Nigeria and having a formidable presence across the African continent.
“With a workforce running into thousands, the Group remains a leading employer of labour in Nigeria and a well respected brand.
“The Dangote Group is reputed to be one of the most socially responsible corporate citizens in Nigeria, with corporate social responsible projects impacting the society, infrastructure and the less privileged,” Akande said.
She urged the Federal Government to address perennial issues of access to credit, poor power supply and foreign exchange challenges as they affected businesses in the country.