The Dangote Group yesterday received a significant accolade from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who expressed Government’s position over the company’s numerous strides in Nigeria and across Africa.
The Presidential recognition comes at the heels of several honours and awards received by the company for creating thousands of jobs and touching lives.
President Tinubu who visited the Dangote’s compartment at the ongoing 29th Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja said: “You are doing well. Keep doing the good things you are doing. Keep investing in Nigeria.”
Dangote is the biggest employer of labour after the government in Nigeria and also a significant employer of labour across Africa, where he has his cement plants in operation. He is also one of the continent’s biggest philanthropists.
In his speech earlier while declaring the annual summit open, the President had called on the private sector operators to join in the development of the Nigerian economy, adding that the country can only develop through collaborative effort.
Experts who spoke at the Summit said Nigeria was waiting for the Dangote Refinery, expressing optimism that it would bring about a significant boost to the nation’s economy.
Speaking at a Panel titled: ‘Unlocking our Competitive Advantage’, Group Managing Director of the Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Mr. Olakunle Alake said it is gladdened that President Tinubu Government understands the role of the of the private sector, while reinforcing the need for collaboration.
Mr. Alake said, Nigeria must grow its economy and especially the manufacturing sector to be able to play a pivotal role in the Africa and Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA).
He identified weak productive sector, lack of requisite skills and lack of infrastructure as impediments to the smooth take off of AFCFTA.
He said though AFCFTA is not the solution to the Nigerian economy, the country could maximize advantages from it by supporting the growth of the manufacturing sector.
Mr. Alake urged governments of West African countries to fix the problems hindering the implementation of ECOWAS protocols, regretting that business across West African countries is still difficult.
He advocated for improved border, ports, and customs services in the continent.