The Dangote Group has reaffirmed its commitment to ending raw sugar importation in Nigeria with a $700 million investment in sugar production under its Sugar Backward Integration Plan (BIP).
Speaking at the 14th Gateway International Trade Fair in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Wednesday, Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, highlighted the company’s strategic efforts to boost local sugar production and reduce dependence on imports.
Major Investments in Sugar Production
Dangote, represented by Regional Director, Lagos/Ogun Dangote Cement, Tunde Mabogunje, stated that the Sugar Backward Integration strategy is already being actively executed.
“We are actively executing the Sugar Backward Integration strategy and have committed over $700 million to land acquisition, machinery, infrastructure, manpower, community relations, and corporate social responsibility initiatives to ensure Nigeria ends raw sugar importation,” Mabogunje said.
The company’s investment in local sugar production aligns with Nigeria’s National Sugar Master Plan, which aims to make the country self-sufficient in sugar production and reduce foreign exchange spending on imports.
Dangote Expands Fertiliser and Petroleum Exports
Beyond sugar production, Dangote disclosed that the group has commenced the export of fertiliser to global markets, including:
- France
- United States
- Mexico
- Uruguay
- Argentina
- Benin Republic, Zambia, and Cameroon in Africa
Additionally, the Dangote Refinery has begun exporting refined petroleum products, strengthening Nigeria’s petroleum and manufacturing sector while reducing dependence on foreign imports.
Economic Diversification and Job Creation
Dangote emphasized that the conglomerate’s long-term strategy is focused on:
- Reducing imports by increasing local production
- Expanding job opportunities across industries
- Driving economic growth and self-sufficiency in key sectors
“As a conglomerate driving Nigeria’s economic diversification, we will continue to explore opportunities in the manufacturing sector to replace imports, create jobs, and support economic growth,” he stated.
Impact on Trade and Market Expansion
Dangote expressed confidence that the company’s participation in the Gateway International Trade Fair would:
- Increase awareness of Dangote products
- Expand market reach
- Strengthen business relationships with stakeholders
- Contribute to job creation and Nigeria’s economic development
“We are confident that this longstanding partnership with OGUNCCIMA will not only benefit our businesses but also contribute to the broader economic development of Nigeria and Africa,” he added.
Call for Sustainability Efforts
The Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide, praised Dangote Group for its economic contributions but urged the company to enhance its environmental sustainability initiatives.
The Future of Nigeria’s Sugar Industry
With this $700 million investment, Dangote Group is set to play a pivotal role in transforming Nigeria into a leading sugar producer, reducing import dependence, and fostering economic resilience in the manufacturing sector. The ongoing expansion into fertiliser and petroleum exports further solidifies the group’s influence in global trade and Nigeria’s economic transformation.
