Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, continues his push for Nigeria’s economic self-sufficiency, expanding his efforts from oil to sugar.
Dangote recently announced plans to end sugar importation, committing $700 million to boost domestic production.
Speaking at the 14th Gateway International Trade Fair in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during “Dangote Special Day,” Dangote’s representative, Tunde Mabogunje, Regional Director of Lagos/Ogun Dangote Cement, emphasized the company’s commitment to the Sugar Backward Integration Plan.
“We are actively executing the Sugar Backward Integration strategy and have invested over $700 million in land acquisition, machinery, infrastructure, workforce development, community relations, and corporate social responsibility initiatives to eliminate Nigeria’s dependence on raw sugar imports,” Mabogunje stated.
Dangote reiterated that his conglomerate remains dedicated to Nigeria’s economic diversification by reducing imports, fostering local manufacturing, creating jobs, and driving economic growth.
He expressed confidence that the trade fair would enhance market reach, boost consumer awareness of Dangote products, and support broader economic development in Nigeria and Africa.
“Our long-standing partnership with OGUNCCIMA will not only strengthen our businesses but also contribute to Nigeria’s and Africa’s economic advancement,” Dangote noted.
In addition to his push for sugar self-sufficiency, Dangote Refinery is fighting to curb petroleum imports. In October 2024, the refinery filed a lawsuit against the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), seeking to revoke import licenses granted to oil companies, including AYM Shafa, A. A. Rano, T. Time Petroleum, and Matrix Petroleum.
The lawsuit, assigned to Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja, is set for hearing on January 20, 2025.
Dangote Refinery is demanding N100 billion in damages, arguing that NMDPRA’s continuous issuance of import licenses violates the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), particularly Sections 317(8) and (9), which restrict licenses to cases where domestic production is insufficient.
Dangote Refinery claims its production capacity surpasses Nigeria’s current demand for products like Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Jet-A1 fuel, making additional import licenses unnecessary and financially detrimental to local refining.
Through strategic investments in sugar and legal action in the petroleum sector, Dangote remains steadfast in his mission to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imports and strengthen the nation’s economy.
