As the ongoing Kano International Trade Fair is gaining momentum, governments at all levels have been charged to pave the way for genuine economic diversification to enhance the nation’s productivity.
Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group of Companies, made the call on Friday during the Dangote Special Day at the ongoing 45th Kano International Trade Fair in Kano.
Dangote said the theme of the trade fair, “Non-Oil Export for Economic Prosperity,” aligns with the company’s vision of economic diversification through the production of domestically produced products that were usually imported.
Represented by Alhaji Aliyu D’au Aliyu, Regional Director, Cement, Northwest, the African richest man noted that the company adopted backward integration as its industrialization strategy and built plants to harness the raw materials that were exported or even neglected in favor of imports.
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He cited Dangote Cement, fertilizer, salt, sugar, and other huge investments in the agricultural sector to boost food security as parts of its effort towards consumable and exportable products in the country.
“Our cement subsidiary, Dangote Cement, evolved from a cement bagging company to having integrated plants, which have helped Nigeria to become self-sufficient in cement production, and we now export cement to neighboring countries, contributing significantly to non-oil exports for economic prosperity.
Dangote Fertilizer Limited is the largest granulated urea fertilizer 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.
Also, Dangote Sugar is a leading brand that has made a remarkable impact on the Nigerian sugar sector. The company is committed to ensuring that Nigeria ends the importation of raw sugar into the country by actively intensifying its execution of the Sugar Backward Integration.
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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.
We have commenced the export of products from our petroleum refinery to other parts of the world. We also export fertilizer. These exports have upended the distributive system, which sees Nigeria as an end destination, now to a country of origin of refined products and byproducts such as naphtha.
Similarly, to support the government in food security, we are also investing in the agricultural sector. These agricultural products will soon be on the market.” He added.
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Dangote appreciated the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (KACCIMA) for sustaining the annual trade fair and for the success of this year’s edition in particular.
“We are confident that this longstanding partnership with KACCIMA will not only be beneficial to both of us, but to the Nigerian, and indeed the African, economy as a whole.” He added.