At The bustling Gateway International Trade Fair in Abeokuta, the air was thick with anticipation. Traders displayed their wares, entrepreneurs pitched ideas, and policymakers mingled with business leaders. But the spotlight fell squarely on one name—Dangote.
On “Dangote Day,” the Pan-African conglomerate, Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), unveiled an ambitious export-driven growth strategy that could reshape Ogun State’s economy and reposition Nigeria as a continental leader in agriculture and industrial exports.
A Vision Beyond Cement
Speaking through Mr. Tunde Mabogunje, Regional Sales Director for Lagos/Ogun, Group Executive Director, Commercial Operations, Hajiya Fatima Aliko-Dangote outlined the company’s Vision 2030. It is a sweeping plan to expand industrial capacity, stimulate cross-border investments, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness within Africa and beyond.
“Our participation at the Gateway Trade Fair dovetails with Dangote Vision 2030,” she said. “We are accelerating industrial expansion, spurring cross-border investments, and reducing import dependence in strategic sectors. As lead sponsor, we are proud to stand with OGUNCCIMA to deepen commerce, strengthen value chains, and open markets for manufacturers, MSEs, and consumers across the region.”
For Ogun State, this vision is not abstract. Dangote Cement’s 12 million metric tonnes per annum plant in Ibese already anchors domestic supply and exports. Construction is underway on another six million metric tonnes per annum integrated cement plant in Itori, expected to further strengthen local supply chains and boost West African export capacity.
Agriculture Meets Industry
Dangote’s ambitions extend far beyond cement. The Group’s $2.5 billion fertiliser partnership in Ethiopia, designed to produce up to three million metric tonnes of urea annually, reflects a broader continental strategy. It is about food security, agricultural competitiveness, and positioning Africa as a stronger player in global exports.
This is the kind of bold thinking that Ogun State officials want local entrepreneurs to emulate. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investments, Engr. Kehinde Akintomide, urged SMEs and emerging businesses to “think boldly, invest patiently, and pursue excellence with discipline.” He reminded them that resilience and strategic planning are the bedrock of long-term competitiveness.
A Chamber’s Endorsement
The Ogun State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) did not hide its admiration. Its President, Lion Niyi Oshiyemi, described Dangote Day as “a celebration of enterprise, resilience, and transformational impact on Nigeria’s economy.”
He praised the Group’s investments for strengthening Nigeria’s manufacturing base, generating employment, and enhancing the country’s standing on the global economic map. “Today, we celebrate not only a brand, but a legacy,” Oshiyemi declared. “With its big, bold and strategic mission of Vision 2030, the Dangote Group has remained a shining example of what visionary leadership, innovation, and commitment to national development can achieve.”
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For many small business owners at the fair, Dangote’s presence was more than corporate branding—it was inspiration. The company’s long-term investments signal stability in a country often plagued by policy uncertainty. Its commitment to Ogun State reassures local manufacturers that they are part of a bigger story, one where Nigeria is not just importing but exporting, not just consuming but producing.
The Gateway Trade Fair, now in its 15th edition, continues to serve as a platform for commerce and collaboration. But with Dangote’s Vision 2030 on display, it felt like more than a trade fair—it felt like a glimpse into Nigeria’s future.
A Bold Path Forward
In a rapidly evolving global economy, where competition is fierce and technology is reshaping industries, partnerships between government and private sector are no longer optional—they are essential. Dangote’s strategy underscores this truth.
By anchoring industrial expansion in Ogun State, investing in agriculture across Africa, and committing to export competitiveness, Dangote Industries Limited is not just building factories—it is building confidence. For Ogun State, it is a chance to become the beating heart of Nigeria’s export dream. For Nigeria, it is a reminder that with vision, discipline, and resilience, the country can rise from import dependence to global competitiveness.
And for the people—entrepreneurs, workers, and communities—the message is clear: the future is not something to wait for; it is something to build.
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