News Agency of Nigeria
Dangote funds women entrepreneurs in Benue
General News

Dangote funds women entrepreneurs in Benue

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In a bold boost for women entrepreneurship in Nigeria, Dangote Cement Plc has empowered businesswomen in host communities in Benue with cash grants, thus deepening business activities in the State.

 

The women empowerment programme came months after the Dangote Cement in Gboko increased bursary payments to students of host communities by more than 100 per cent.

 

Mr Wakeel Olayiwola, Group Head, Social Performance, Dangote Cement Plc, disclosed this at the ceremony on Wednesday in Gboko.

 

“Through this scheme, selected women entrepreneurs in host communities will receive ₦100,000 grants each to strengthen and expand their businesses.

 

“The financial support aims to boost local enterprise development at the grassroots level, empowering female business owners with capital to scale their operations.

 

‘’Each beneficiary will use the funds to address specific business needs, from purchasing inventory to upgrading equipment, creating tangible economic impact in their communities.”

 

Olayiwola said that the empowerment would boost ability to invest in their families’ education, health, and well-being as well as break the cycle of poverty and enable positive change in their communities.

 

He said the programme would also enable the women to generate more income to reduce over-reliance on their husbands.

 

He said the money is a grant and would not be paid back to the Dangote Cement.

 

Olayiwola said traditional leaders of Quarry, Tse-Kucha, Amua, Mbazembe, Mbatur and Pass Brothers host communities, as well as the Dangote Community Consultative Committee were involved in the selection of beneficiaries.

 

He said the company would monitor progress of the women entrepreneurs and evaluate how the money is being invested.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Dangote Cement Plc and six host communities signed a historic Community Development Agreement (CDA) in 2024.

 

The acting Plant Director, Munusamy Murugan, said the empowerment would be an annual event.

 

Murugan, who was represented by Tavershima Soom, said that other economic empowerment programmes lined up include farmers programme and youth skill acquisition programme.

 

In his remarks, Head of the Social Performance, Gboko Plant, Johnson Kor, said that the company would continue to support members of the communities, urging them to be good ambassadors of the Dangote Cement Plc.

 

Ruth Tser, a beneficiary, said she would invest the money in her cassava farming business, while commending the company for the support.

 

Similarly, Mrs Vishigh Msurshiona, pledged to use the money to grow her trade in commodities.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Dangote pledges petrol price stability
Business

Dangote pledges petrol price stability

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By Yunus Yusuf

Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining stable petrol prices, even as global crude oil prices continue to fluctuate.

This contained in a statement issued on Monday in Lagos by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of the company, Mr Anthony Chiejina.

Chiejina stated that the company has consistently reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), underscoring its dedication to supporting the Nigerian economy and easing the financial burden on consumers.

“This decision reflects our commitment to delivering affordable, high-quality petroleum products without compromising efficiency or sustainability.”

Chiejina emphasised that Dangote’s efforts align with the Federal Government’s Nigeria First policy, which prioritises local production.

He added that efforts also supports President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at economic recovery and national development.

“Refining petroleum products locally at the world’s largest single-train refinery allows us to significantly contribute to Nigeria’s energy security, conserve foreign exchange, and bolster economic resilience.

“We are deeply grateful to President Tinubu for enabling this through the Naira-for-Crude Initiative, which has helped reduce fuel prices for the benefit of all Nigerians.

“Dangote Petroleum Refinery reassured stakeholders—consumers, partners, and the government—of its continued focus on operational excellence and national service.

“We remain committed to ensuring that the benefits of our local refining capacity are fully realised by Nigerians. Affordability, quality, and national interest will always guide our operations,” he added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yakubu Uba

Nigeria SMEs enjoying Dangote support- official 
General News

Nigeria SMEs enjoying Dangote support- official 

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By Kayode Adebiyi

Dangote Industries Limited is partnering critical stakeholders in the economy to grow Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria, Senior Adviser to the President of Dangote Group, Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, has said.

 

Speaking at the Dangote Special Day at the ongoing 2025 Nasarawa Trade Fair Exhibition in Lafia, she said the participation of the company and partnership with the Nigeria Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Nasarawa State Chapter, would help create awareness and scale up small businesses.

 

The Senior Adviser, who was represented by Dr Shuaibu Abdullahi, the company’s National Assembly Liaison Lead, said Dangote Group would continue to partner government and private sectors to develop small businesses.

 

She said: “I am pleased to inform you that in alignment with the theme of this year’s Trade Fair, the Aliko Dangote Foundation and the Bank of Industry (BoI) had entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and established a N5 billion fund dedicated to supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria.

 

“This initiative aimed to create at least one million direct jobs by providing financial support to entrepreneurs engaged in manufacturing, agro-processing, and the merchandising of goods made wholly in Nigeria.”

 

She added that the MoU would benefit micro-enterprises like cassava processors, aluminum artisans, poultry farmers, calabash carving groups, small traders, cattle rearing groups, vegetable sellers, market women and artisan groups.

 

She said as part for its support for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria, the company had supported Jakura Marble Industry Ltd (JMIL) in electrification.

 

She added that in line with the company’s commitment to supporting small businesses, agriculture, and job creation in Nigeria, Dangote Fertiliser Limited had initiated a comprehensive training programme targeting over one million farmers across the country.

 

“This programme, integral to our agricultural extension services, encompasses Spot Demonstrations, Result Demonstrations, Field Demonstrations, and Soil Sample Collections.

 

“The training is designed to educate farmers on best practices in fertiliser application, aiming to enhance crop yields and promote sustainable farming techniques.

 

“By providing hands-on demonstrations and soil analysis, we strive to empower farmers with the knowledge and tools necessary to improve their productivity and livelihoods.”

 

According to her, the company’s supports for fostering economic development through mineral and agricultural cottage industrialisation” is numerous.

 

“May I also inform this esteemed audience that our sponsorship of numerous Trade Fairs—including this one organised by the Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI)—is a key component of our commitment to fostering the growth of trade and small businesses across Nigeria.

 

“By supporting this Trade Fair, we aim to provide micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with platforms to showcase their products, network with potential partners, and access new markets, thereby contributing to the nation’s economic development.

 

“As a company, we are therefore joining NASSI and NACCIMA to call on the public and private sector stakeholders to prioritise MSMES in Nigeria. This is key to our industrialisation effort in Nigeria.”

 

According to her, some of the Strategic Business Units that are participating from the Dangote Group are: Dangote Fertiliser Limited (DFL), Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited (DPAN), Dangote SinoTruck, Dangote Sugar Refinery (DSR), Dangote Salt (NASCON) and Dangote Cement Plc.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Nasarawa gov., others woo Dangote at Trade Fair
General News

Nasarawa gov., others woo Dangote at Trade Fair

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By Nana Musa

Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has urged Dangote Industries Limited to consider investing in more sectors of the State economy.

The Governor who was speaking at the ongoing Nasarawa Trade Fair Exhibition said Nasarawa is home to solid mineral resources.

He added that the strategic partnership between the duo would speed up Nigeria’s industrialisation programme.

The Governor was represented at the occasion by Hon. Muhammed Otto, Nasarawa State’s Commissioner for Trade, Industry, and Investment.

He commended the Dangote Group for its outstanding performance at the Nasarawa Sugar Company Limited (NSCL).

He expressed confidence that, given this success, the company would be a valuable partner in exploring additional investment opportunities within the state.

In his remarks at the Dangote Special Day, Chairman of the Nigeria Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Nasarawa State Chapter, Nidan Manasseh, said the Trade Fair which was sponsored by the Dangote Group has been very impactful.

Manasseh advised Dangote Group to scale up its investments in the State by considering other sectors.

“The Nasarawa Trade Fair Exhibition (NASTFE) is a vital catalyst for the State’s economic transformation. This strategic initiative by NASSI directly aligns with Governor Abdullahi Alhaji Sule’s vision to stimulate investment and unlock significant growth.”

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment, Hajiya Khadija Nuhu, said the state was open for business, adding that Dangote Group could be part of the compelling opportunities that abound in the state.

A statement from the Dangote Group’s Chief Branding and Communication Officer, Anthony Chiejina, said: “Nasarawa State is central to our overall investment in Nigeria. It is home to Dangote’s Nasarawa Sugar Company Limited (NSCL).

“The sugar project, when completed, will be one of the biggest sugar investments on the African continent.”

The statement quoted the Senior Special Adviser to the Dangote Group’s President, Fatima Abdurrahman, as saying that: “We are not taking this partnership for granted. Our Strategic Business Units (SBUs) are participating”.

According to her, some of the SBUs that are participating from the Dangote Group are: Dangote Fertiliser Limited (DFL), Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited (DPAN), Dangote SinoTruck, Dangote Sugar Refinery, Dangote Salt (NASCON) and Dangote Cement Plc.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Dangote’s N31bn Food Programme boosting FG’s food security efforts 
General News

Dangote’s N31bn Food Programme boosting FG’s food security efforts 

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For committing N31 billion to its food programme for the second year in a row, Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe said that the Aliko Dangote Foundation’s (ADF) Annual Food Intervention Programme has bolstered Nigeria’s food security.

 

The Foundation had committed N15 billion and N16 billion to its Annual Food Intervention Programme in 2024 and 2025.

 

President Bola Tinubu declared an Emergency on Food Security, while calling on stakeholders to join the fight against hunger and deprivation in the country.

 

Speaking at the flag-off of the distribution of 30,000 bags of 10Kg rice to vulnerable persons in Yobe, Buni said the ADF’s food programme has played a significant role in alleviating hunger.

 

He said that it has also complemented government’s efforts toward achieving food security in the country.

 

Speaking at the event in Damaturu, the state capital, the Governor said the gesture would support government’s ongoing humanitarian efforts.

 

“It is with great pleasure that we are here today for yet another humanitarian assistance. This is the flag-off of the distribution of 30,000 bags of 10Kg parboiled rice to further support our people, specifically the less privileged and vulnerable persons,” he said.

 

The Governor expressed appreciation to the Foundation for its sustained support to the state, especially in the areas of humanitarian aid, primary healthcare and routine immunisation programmes.

 

“This donation is yet another show of solidarity and continuous support to our ongoing efforts to improve food security among vulnerable populations and ease the hardship experienced by displaced persons and victims of recent fire outbreaks in some communities,” he added.

 

He urged community and local government committees to ensure transparency and fairness in the distribution process.

 

According to him, there is the need to give priority to deserving beneficiaries and warned that the government would carefully monitor the exercise.

 

Meanwhile, Dr Mohammed Goje, Executive Secretary of Yobe State Emergency Management Agency(YOSEMA), said the agency would ensure accountability and transparency in the distribution exercise.

 

Speaking at the event, representative of the ADF, Abubakar Muhammed, said the donation was part of the Foundation’s nationwide initiative to ease the economic burden on vulnerable Nigerians.

 

“Alhaji Aliko Dangote, through his Foundation, decided to support the Yobe State government with 30,000 bags of rice to be distributed to vulnerable groups. This support also extends across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory,” he added.

 

The Foundation had earmarked one million bags of 10kg rice to be distributed to all the 774 Local Governments Areas of the country.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Dangote distributes 40,000 bags of rice to Borno residents
General News

Dangote distributes 40,000 bags of rice to Borno residents

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By Abdullahi Mohammed

No fewer than 40,000 bags of rice are to be distributed to residents of Borno through the Food Intervention Programme of Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF).

 

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno made this known in Maiduguri at the flag-off of the distribution exercise of the 10kg bags of rice.

 

The governor, who was represented by the Director General of the State Emergency Management Agency, Mr Ali Isa, said the gesture would cushion the effect of the hardship in the state.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ADF penultimate week commenced the distribution of one million bags of rice across the 774 local government areas in the country.

 

“Today marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to alleviate the suffering of our people, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan,” Zulum said.

 

He said that the donation was a testament to the foundation’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and promoting social welfare.

 

“We are deeply thankful to Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the entire foundation for their kindness and philanthropy,” he said.

 

The governor urged the people of Borno to continue to pray for peace, stability and prosperity of the state and country.

 

Earlier, the representative of ADF, Mr Usman Muhammad, said the gesture was aimed at supporting government’s effort.

 

According to him, the foundation focuses on improving the living conditions of Nigerians.

 

Muhammad said the donation was targeted at the poor and the vulnerable in the state.

 

A beneficiary, Ms Aisha Modu, 50, said as a displaced person, the donation of rice by the ADF would go a long way in alleviating her hardship.

 

Another beneficiary, Umaru Aliyu, 60, said he would use the rice to feed his six children.

 

He prayed God to continue to bless the Chairman of the foundation, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.(NAN)

(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

Dangote Foundation donates rice to less privileged in Niger
General News

Dangote Foundation donates rice to less privileged in Niger

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By Rita Iliya

Aliko Dangote Foundation on Saturday donated and distributed 30,000 bags of 50kg rice to support vulnerable residents in Niger.

 

Ahmed Hashim, Group Managing Director, Dangote Group, Abuja, said the donation was part of the foundation’s efforts to alleviate hunger and poverty among vulnerable Nigerians in the state.

 

According to him, “We are committed to supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to reduce poverty and hunger in Nigeria.

 

“Our donation of rice to Niger state is a demonstration of our commitment to support what the state government is already doing,” he said.

 

Hashim said that the foundation’s intervention was to provide succor to the most vulnerable members of society, including widows, orphans, and the disabled.

 

Mr Yakubu Garba, Deputy Governor of Niger said at the distribution of the rice in Minna that the gesture would alleviate hunger and poverty in the state.

 

“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Aliko Dangote Foundation for this gesture.

 

“Poverty and hunger are multi-dimensional problems that require collective efforts to tackle.

 

“The state government is working tirelessly to eliminate poverty and hunger in the state,” he said.

 

Garba reiterated the state’s ambitious plan to feed the nation, citing the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) code-named Niger Foods, which had transformed the state into a net exporter of assorted grains.

 

He announced that the state government had distributed 400 trucks of assorted grains to the 25 local government areas at a subsidised rate of 50 per cent since the commencement of the Ramadan.

 

He called on well-to-do individuals and large-scale retail marketers to emulate Aliko Dangote’s philanthropy by supporting the weak and downtrodden through charity or subsidised food sales.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

Dangote foundation inaugurates N16bn national food intervention project
Agriculture , Food Security

Dangote foundation inaugurates N16bn national food intervention project

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By Ramatu Garba

The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has inaugurated the 2025 Annual National Food Intervention Project valued at N16 billion and to benefit one million Nigerians nationwide.

The Chairman of the foundation, Mr Aliko Dangote,  made the disclosure during the inaugural ceremony on Thursday in Kano.

Represented by his daughter, Marya, he said the annual initiative, which embodies compassion, solidarity, and shared responsibility, was part of the foundation’s response to the current economic challenges facing the nation.

“The distribution of one million bags of 10kg rice to the poor and most vulnerable Nigerians across the 774 Local Government Areas is in line with the core values of this foundation.

“We are collaborating with state governments to ensure that the food reaches the most vulnerable individuals in each state.

“Our foundation focuses on improving the living conditions of Nigerians through support projects, which tackle hunger and water supply problems.

“We are also strengthening the quality and scope of health and education, as well as promoting economic empowerment at the community level,” he said

Dangote urged other industrialists and firms to lend a helping hand in combating hunger through programmes and initiatives that would place food on the tables of vulnerable Nigerians.

According to him, there’s a need to complement government efforts in fighting hunger and poverty through a public private partnership.

“I commend the government at all levels for efforts in addressing the food crisis.

 I am certain that with time, we shall overcome these challenges. Therefore let us support the government to achieve its target of a better life for Nigerians,” he said.

On his part, Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf of Kano State said the intervention reflected the unwavering commitment of Dangote in addressing poverty and hunger in Nigeria.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdulsalam-Gwarzo,  he said the gesture would go a long way in alleviating hardship, particularly during the blessed month of Ramadan.

He said the state government had set up a committee made up of relevant stakeholders, including security agencies, to ensure transparency in the distribution process.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of the foundation, Zouera Youssoufou, reiterated the commitment of Dangote to continue giving back to the society in various ways, including supporting governments in fighting poverty and hunger.

Also speaking, the Deputy Commander-General of Hisbah Board in Kano, Dr Mujahid Aminudeen, commended the foundation for the initiative and urged others to emulate Dangote.

He said the board would be actively engaged to ensure that the products reach the targeted beneficiaries. (NAN)

Edited by Bukola Adetoye and Yakubu Uba

Dangote Refinery crashes petrol price to N890/ltr
Economy/Business

Dangote Refinery crashes petrol price to N890/ltr

524 total views today

Petrol
By Yunus Yusuf
Lagos, Feb.1, 2025 (NAN) Dangote Refinery has reduced the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, from N950 to N890, effective from Saturday.

Mr Anthony Chiejina, the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Dangote Petroleum Refinery, said this in a statement on Saturday in Lagos.

Chiejina said that the price adjustment was in response to a significant decline in international crude oil prices.

He explained that this latest move followed a similar decision made on Jan. 19 when a modest price increase was implemented due to rising crude oil costs.

Chiejina said with recent global market trends indicating a decline, Dangote Refinery had once again adjusted its pricing structure, providing relief to Nigerians.

The statement also noted that the price reduction would significantly lower the cost of petrol across the country, generating a positive ripple effect throughout the broader economy.

“Dangote Petroleum Refinery firmly believes that this reduction from N950 to N890 will result in a meaningful decrease in the cost of petrol nationwide,” he said.

He said the reduction would drive down the prices of goods and services as well as the overall cost of living.

The refinery called on marketers across the country to ensure that the benefits of the reduced price were passed on to Nigerians.

Dangote refinery reiterated its support for the economic revival by President Bola Tinubu.

According to the refinery, the Tinubu administration is focused on making Nigeria self-sufficient in refined petroleum products and positioning the country as a leading oil export hub.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the refinery’s decision is expected to play a vital role in stabilising the country’s economy.(NAN)(www.nannews.com)
(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

Crude for Naira swap deal has positive impact- Dangote
Economy/Business

Crude for Naira swap deal has positive impact- Dangote

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President of the Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has commended President Bola Tinubu for the positive impact of the naira for crude swap deal on the Nigerian economy.

 

Dangote said that the swap has led to reduction in prices of petroleum products in the country.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dangote recently reduced the price of petrol from N970 to N899.50 at its Refinery loading gantry and provided generous credit terms to marketers.

 

“To ensure that this price reduction gets to the end consumer, we have signed a partnership with MRS to sell petrol from its retail outlets nationwide at N935 per litre” he added.

 

NAN reports that the price has already commenced in Lagos, and its expected to be offered nationwide from Monday.

 

Dangote called on other oil marketers such as the NNPC Retail and all other marketers, “to work with us to ensure that Nigerians enjoy high-quality petrol at discounted prices.”

 

According to him, “The Dangote Refinery is for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians. We will therefore continue to work with various value chain players to deliver high quality petrol at cheaper prices.

 

“Our aim is for all Nigerians to have ready access to high quality petroleum products that are good for their vehicles, good for their health, and good for their pockets.

 

The Federal Executive Council in September approved the sale of crude to local refineries in Naira and corresponding purchase of petroleum products in Naira.

 

The move, which commenced on Oct. 1, led to reduced pressure on the dollar and ensured the stability of the local currency.

 

Dangote thanked Nigerians for their unwavering support and the government for creating an enabling environment for the domestic refining industry.(NAN)

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