Dangote Group Unveils Expansion Plans, Backs Nigerian MSMEs

Gideon Arinze in Enugu

Dangote Group has reaffirmed its commitment to industrial expansion and support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as key drivers of Nigeria’s economic growth.

Chairman of the group Aliko Dangote made this known in Enugu yesterday during the company’s Special Day at the ongoing 37th Enugu International Trade Fair with the theme “Empowering MSMEs for Global Competitiveness”.

Dangote, represented by the South East Regional Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Olatunbosun Jinadu, said the group’s long-term “Vision 2030” strategy is designed to address major constraints facing MSMEs, particularly the high cost of energy, raw materials and infrastructure.

He noted the theme of this year’s fair highlights the critical role small businesses play in both local and global economies, while stressing the need to create an enabling environment for their growth.

Jinadu disclosed the group has concluded plans to expand its petroleum refinery capacity from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day, a move expected to significantly increase output and improve efficiency.

He added that the company is also scaling up its fertilizer production capacity to 12 million metric tonnes annually, alongside ongoing expansion of its polypropylene plant to meet rising demand across industries including packaging, textiles, automotive, medical and construction.

The regional director emphasised that the expansions are driven by the group’s belief that Nigeria’s economic transformation must be anchored on local production and industrial self-reliance.

Earlier, President of ECCIMA, Nnayelugo Onyemelukwe, commended Dangote for consistently sponsoring the fair for over five years, while also urging the group to consider citing its plants in the Southeast region which contributes to the economy of the country.