By Nana Musa

A senior official of Dangote Group says it refinery is fast-tracking Nigeria’s long-awaited industrial take-off as a catalyst for a rapid economic development of the country.

Senior Adviser on Special Projects and Stakeholders Relations to the President of Dangote Group, Mrs Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, disclosed this at the 20th Abuja International Trade Fair on Monday.

Wali-Abdurrahman said the massive facility was more than just a fuel producer, but a central stimulus for industrialisation in Nigeria.

“At Dangote Group, we have also shown through our refinery and cement that instead of exporting raw materials and importing finished goods, we must process more of what we produce here at home.

‘’This will not only create jobs and grow industries, but it will also reduce our dependence on imports and strengthen our economy. Our massive investment in the Dangote Refinery is not only a bold step towards Nigeria’s industrial ambition but also a reflection of our commitment to sustainability.

“From its conception, the refinery was designed with cutting-edge technology and efficiency measures. It stands as proof that large-scale industrialisation and sustainability can go hand in hand, setting a benchmark for future projects in Africa.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dangote Industries Limited is one of the sponsors and participants at the 12-day Abuja Trade Fair with the theme: Sustainability: Consumption, Incentives, and Taxation.

She said that the group’s relationship with the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) was a strategic partnership built on a vision for a prosperous and industrialised Nigeria and not merely transactional.

Some of the Strategic Business Units of the company at the Fair, she said, include: Dangote Cement, Dangote Salt, Dangote Sugar, Dangote Packaging, Dangote Fertiliser and Dangote Sinotruck, among others.

President of ACCI, Dr Emeka Obegolu, said that the Chamber’s collaboration with Dangote Group reflected a commitment to driving economic growth, strengthening trade, and creating opportunities for businesses and communities.

He said the Dangote Group’s active participation in the 20th edition of the Trade Fair further demonstrated its role as a key player in Nigeria’s industrial and commercial landscape.

At the opening ceremony on Monday, Obegolu said the 12-day Fair is expected to attract over 100,000 participants.

He said other highlights of the fair include the launch of Buy Africa, Build Africa (BABA) which is a flagship initiative that celebrates African products, services and creativity.

According to him, the BABA initiative is more than a festival; “it is a call to action for Africans to trade with Africa and build Africa.”

He said the Trade Fair provides a platform for business leaders seeking expansion and investment opportunities, as well as government institutions driving reforms and economic growth.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz