Dangote Industries Limited has reiterated its commitment to ensuring Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in cement production and petroleum refining. This pledge comes as the company continues to expand its industrial footprint across Africa, with a focus on bolstering local production capacity and reducing reliance on imports.
In the cement sector, Dangote Industries has significantly increased Nigeria’s production capacity, making the country self-sufficient and a net exporter of cement. The company operates some of the largest cement plants in Africa, including the Obajana plant in Kogi State, which boasts an annual capacity of 16.25 million metric tons, and the Ibese plant in Ogun State with a capacity of 12 million metric tons. The ongoing construction of a new 6-million-ton-per-annum cement plant in Itori, Ogun State, is expected to further enhance Nigeria’s export capacity and create thousands of jobs. Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Cement Plc, has emphasized that these investments align with the company’s vision of utilizing local resources to produce goods that were previously imported.
In addition to its achievements in cement production, Dangote Industries has made significant strides in petroleum refining. The company’s 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery in Ibeju-Lekki commenced operations in 2024, producing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), diesel, aviation fuel, and other products. This development has positioned Nigeria as self-sufficient in refined petroleum products for the first time in decades. The surplus production from the refinery is being exported, generating foreign exchange earnings for the country.
Aliko Dangote recently highlighted these milestones during a site visit to one of the company’s facilities. He noted that Nigeria’s transformation into a self-sufficient nation in both cement and petroleum is a testament to the impact of private sector-led industrialization. He also stressed that these projects contribute not only to economic diversification but also to job creation and infrastructure development.
Dangote Industries continues to play a pivotal role in driving Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic stability. By leveraging innovative technologies and strategic partnerships, the company remains committed to addressing key challenges in critical sectors while positioning Nigeria as an industrial powerhouse on the global stage.
