The Dangote Group has called on the Nigerian government and private sector players to invest massively in technology to help Nigeria’s industrial sector grow and gain global respect.
This call was made by Mr. Ayirioritse Okerentie, the Deputy Regional Director (South East) of Dangote Cement Plc, during Dangote Day at the 36th Enugu International Trade Fair held on.
Okerentie, who spoke at the company’s special exhibition, said Nigeria must begin to follow global best practices in manufacturing if local products are to compete internationally. He explained that this would not only improve the quality of goods produced in the country but also help in job creation and reduce the nation’s reliance on imported products.
He noted, “The industrial and manufacturing sector has the capacity to positively impact the Nigerian economy through job creation, providing quality goods, reducing importation, and adding value to our raw materials.”
He added that the way forward for Nigeria is to adopt new technologies and support research and development that will drive innovation in the sector.
Okerentie also shared how Dangote Group has played a major role in Nigeria’s economy. According to him, the group has created millions of direct and indirect jobs, reduced the country’s dependence on imported goods, and increased Nigeria’s exports across the globe. He mentioned that Dangote now exports refined petroleum products, fertilisers, and other goods to countries in Africa, Europe, America, and Asia.
He said: “Developing Nigeria’s industrial sector requires massive investment in technology and adoption of best-in-class global practices. This is the best way for products from Nigeria to gain global recognition.”
Meanwhile, the President of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Barr. Jasper Jideonwo, also spoke at the event. He was represented by a member of ECCIMA, Chief Eric Chime. He commended Dangote Group for being one of Nigeria’s biggest employers of labour and urged the Federal Government to support the company’s growth so it can continue to contribute to Nigeria’s development.
He described Dangote’s efforts in the oil and gas sector, especially the impact of the Dangote Refinery, as a game-changer in the regulation of petroleum product prices in the country. According to him, the entry of Dangote into this sector has brought relief to Nigerians and helped reduce fuel importation.
He said, “There is no doubt that Dangote PLC has added a lot of value to the growth of the Nigerian economy, operating in almost every sector. The recent investment of Dangote Group in oil and gas has taken the company to another level, especially with the positive impact the refinery has had on the regulation of petroleum prices in Nigeria.”
Jideonwo appealed to the government to assist the company with whatever support it needs to continue its operations and bring more smiles to the faces of Nigerians.
He also pointed out that the Dangote brand has grown beyond Nigeria, with its businesses now spread across many parts of Africa, providing jobs for thousands of people, most of whom are Nigerians.
As the trade fair continues in Enugu, the Dangote Group remains a major attraction with its wide range of products on display, including cement, fertilisers, sugar, salt, and more.
