By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
The Dangote Group, under the visionary leadership of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has been a trailblazer in championing the cause of local content and contributing significantly to the economic growth of Nigeria and the African continent as a whole.
This was expressed by representative of Dangote Group on Thursday, at the 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair, 2024, Hajiya Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman.
“Local content, at its core, is about harnessing the potential within a country’s borders for the benefit of its people. By investing in local industries, talent, and resources, we not only create jobs but also empower communities and foster sustainable economic growth.
“The Dangote Group has been at the forefront of this movement, with a commitment to deepening local content values across its various business sectors.
“We source our limestone locally, we are adjudged the biggest employer of local labour in Nigeria, and now we are refining our crude to bring succor to our people,” she said.
According to her, if the history of Nigeria is to be documented, it would be fair to Dangote Group, and most importantly to Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
Speaking further, she said that one of the key drivers of economic development is industrialization, and the Dangote Group has made substantial investments in this regard.
“Our industries, from cement to sugar, from salt to agriculture and more recently oil & gas, are strategically positioned to leverage local resources and contribute significantly to the nation’s GDP.
“These investments not only create employment opportunities but also enhance the skills and capabilities of our workforce, leading to a more robust and self-sufficient economy,” she added.
Speaking at The Dangote Special Day the fair, she noted that in the area of philanthropy, they are not left behind.
“We continue to support the people and government of Kaduna State and Nigeria through the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF).
” In addition to these domestic contributions, the Dangote Group has expanded its footprint across the African continent, promoting regional economic integration and positioning Nigeria as a key player in intra-Africa trade,” she said.
She explained that the theme of this year’s trade fair is a clarion call for all to prioritize and deepen commitment to local content values.
“The Dangote Group stands as a shining example of how such commitment can drive economic recovery and sustainable growth.
“Let us all join hands in building a future where local industries flourish, and our economies thrive on the strength of our collective efforts. Let us all imbibe the spirit of Dangote so that together we can pull Nigeria out of this economic quagmire.
She added that the theme of this year’s Trade Fair, “Sustaining Economic Recovery Through Deepening Local Content Values,” resonates deeply with the vision and mission of the Dangote Group, and it is indeed a pleasure to share insights into how local content can be a driving force for the economic development of Nigeria.
“We have been participating in your Fair for about 30 years now. The Kaduna Trade Fair is important to us because Kaduna is considered the political headquarters of Northern Nigeria, and more so, a cosmopolitan city.
“We have also been partnering with the Government and the people of Kaduna State in different sectors, some of which include the automobile sector, and infrastructural development. And we do not take our relationship for granted.
” Lastly, let me congratulate Council Members of KADCCIMA, Kaduna State Government and the people of the state for hosting yet another successful Trade Fair,” she said.
