The Dangote Group has advocated the need for massive investment in technology to boost Nigeria’s industrial sector and enhance global recognition.
Speaking at Dangote’s Special Day on Wednesday, at the ongoing 36th Enugu International Trade Fair, Mr. Ayirioritse Okerentie, Deputy Regional Director, South East, Dangote Cement Plc, highlighted the importance of adopting best-in-class global practices to stay competitive.
Okerentie urged the government to focus on investing in research and development to drive innovation and improve product quality.
He explained that the Dangote Group has made significant contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth, including “creating millions of direct and indirect jobs across various sectors. Reducing imports of finished products and promoting local manufacturing. And exporting refined petroleum products, fertilisers, and other goods to Africa, Europe, America, and Asia.”
Okerentie noted, “The industrial/manufacturing sector has the capacity to impact significantly on the economy, especially in the creation of jobs, provision of goods, reduction in imports of finished products, and adding value to our raw materials.”
“Developing Nigeria’s industrial sector requires massive investment in technology and adoption of best-in-class global practices. This is the best way for products from Nigeria to gain global recognition.”
Earlier in a speech, the President of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture called on the Federal Government to assist the Dangote group of companies to continue to grow and “bring smiles to the faces of Nigerians once more.”
Jideonwo, represented at the occasion by ECCIMA member Chief Eric Chime, described Dangote as a big employer of labour and called on the government to assist it to grow to continue to better the lives of Nigerians and to reduce the population in the labour market.
He lauded Dangote Group for its entry into the oil and gas industry, which has helped in regulating petroleum prices in Nigeria.
“There is no doubt that Dangote PLC has added a lot of value to the growth of the Nigerian economy, operating in almost every sector of the economy. The recent investment of Dangote Group into the oil and gas industry has taken the company to another level, especially with the positive impact Dangote Refinery has made on the regulation of petroleum products in Nigeria.
“We commend the Dangote Group for this and request that the Federal Government give the company all needed support to continue to bring smiles to the faces of Nigerians once again,” he said, pointing out that, “Dangote’s business and entrepreneurship indulgence have spread to many parts of the African continent, employing thousands of people across the world, of whom not less than a greater percentage are Nigerian.”
