Dangote Group has reinforced its commitment to eliminating raw sugar importation in Nigeria with a $700 million investment aimed at boosting local sugar production. The announcement was made at the 14th Gateway International Trade Fair in Abeokuta, where the company outlined its strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in sugar manufacturing.
Speaking at the event, Dangote’s representative, Tunde Mabogunje, highlighted the acceleration of the company’s Sugar Backward Integration Plan, a strategy designed to develop large-scale sugar production capacity. The investment covers key areas such as land acquisition, procurement of advanced machinery, infrastructure development, and community engagement initiatives. By scaling up production, Dangote aims to reduce the country’s reliance on sugar imports while creating thousands of jobs within the agricultural and manufacturing sectors.
Beyond sugar, the company is expanding its footprint in global trade. Dangote announced that its fertiliser plant is now exporting to key international markets, including the U.S., France, and several African countries. Additionally, the Dangote Refinery has commenced exports of refined petroleum products, positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in the global energy market.
“With our investments in manufacturing, we aim to replace imports, create jobs, and drive economic growth,” Dangote stated, emphasizing the company’s long-term vision of industrialization and economic self-reliance.
Ogun State House of Assembly Speaker, Oludaisi Elemide, commended Dangote Group’s contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth and job creation. However, he also urged the company to intensify efforts toward environmental sustainability, ensuring that industrial expansion does not come at the expense of ecological balance.
As Dangote Group continues to deepen its investments in key sectors, the company’s initiatives are expected to enhance local production, support Nigeria’s economic diversification, and strengthen the country’s position in global trade.
