We are proud of Dangote-Tinubu
We are proud of Dangote-Tinubu
By: Femi Mustapha
The Dangote Group received a significant accolade from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday. He expressed the government’s position regarding the company’s numerous strides in Nigeria and across Africa.
The presidential recognition comes on the heels of several honors and awards received by the company for creating thousands of jobs and touching lives.
President Tinubu, who visited Dangote’s exhibit 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 labor after the government and one of the continent’s biggest philanthropists.
In his speech earlier while declaring the annual summit open, the President called on private sector operators to join in the development of the Nigerian economy, emphasizing that the country can only develop through collaborative efforts.
Experts who spoke at the summit said Nigeria was eagerly awaiting the Dangote Refinery and expressed optimism that it would significantly boost the nation’s economy.
Speaking at a panel titled ‘Unlocking our Competitive Advantage,’ the Group Managing Director of Dangote Industries Limited, Mr. Olakunle Alake, expressed his pleasure that President Tinubu’s government understands the role of the private sector while reinforcing the need for collaboration.
Mr. Alake stated that Nigeria must grow its economy, especially the manufacturing sector, to play a pivotal role in Africa and the Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA). He identified a weak productive sector, lack of requisite skills, and infrastructure as impediments to the smooth take-off of AFCFTA.
He noted that while AFCFTA is not the solution to the Nigerian economy, the country could maximize its advantages by supporting the growth of the manufacturing sector.
Mr. Alake urged governments of West African countries to address the problems hindering the implementation of ECOWAS protocols, expressing regret that business across West African countries is still difficult. He advocated for improved border, ports, and customs services on the continent.
