ABUJA, Nigeria – The Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NCCIMA) has described the Dangote Group as a leading driver of Africa’s industrial transformation, saying the conglomerate is “not only industrialising Nigeria, but indeed the whole of Africa.”
The Director General of NCCIMA, Adamu Salihu, made the remark ahead of the Dangote Special Day at the 22nd Niger National Trade Fair in Minna, where stakeholders are expected to highlight the impact of private sector-led industrial growth on Nigeria’s economy.
Salihu said the Dangote Group has become a model of indigenous industrialisation through its investments in cement, sugar, salt, fertiliser, agriculture, petrochemicals, and energy, noting that the company demonstrates the capacity of African entrepreneurs to build globally competitive industries.
He explained that the theme of the trade fair, “Public-Private Partnership as a Panacea for Nigeria’s Growth and Stability,” reflects the importance of collaboration between government and the private sector in achieving sustainable development.
According to him, Dangote Group’s investment strategy aligns with Niger State’s development priorities, particularly in agriculture, where its rice and sugar operations complement the state’s push to become a major food production hub.
Salihu further expressed optimism that the Group’s Vision 2030 expansion plan would unlock more opportunities in agriculture, mining, and agro-processing across the state and beyond.
He noted that Dangote Group currently operates in more than a dozen African countries, with interests spanning key industrial sectors aimed at reducing import dependence and strengthening local production capacity.
The NCCIMA chief highlighted the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a landmark project that has reshaped Nigeria’s energy landscape by reducing foreign exchange pressure, improving fuel supply stability, and creating new investment opportunities across related industries.
He also pointed to the Group’s backward integration model, which he said has boosted local production, created jobs, and strengthened domestic value chains.
Beyond Nigeria, Salihu referenced plans by Dangote Group to establish a similar refinery in East Africa, a move announced by the company’s President, Aliko Dangote, at the Africa We Build Summit in Nairobi.
He said the proposed facility, if supported by regional governments, would replicate the 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery in Lagos and further deepen industrial capacity across the continent.
According to him, the expansion underscores Dangote Group’s long-term vision of using African capital and expertise to drive industrial development, reduce import dependence, and promote economic integration.
Salihu urged Nigerian entrepreneurs to emulate Dangote’s investment drive while calling for stronger support for small and medium-sized enterprises through structured supply chain inclusion.
He also reaffirmed the importance of the Niger National Trade Fair as a platform for investment promotion, partnership building, and economic development.
