Tinubu Commends Dangote Group on Job Creation

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

The Dangote Group yesterday received accolades from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who expressed the federal government’s position over the company’s numerous strides in Nigeria and across Africa.

The presidential recognition came on the heels of several honours and awards received by the company for creating thousands of jobs and touching lives.

Tinubu who visited 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, and one of the continent’s biggest philanthropists.

In his speech while declaring the annual summit open, the President had called on the private sector operators to partner the government in the development of the Nigerian economy, adding that the country could 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,’ the Group Managing Director of the Dangote Industries Limited, Mr. Olakunle Alake, expressed delight that the Tinubu-led government understands the role of the private sector, while reinforcing the need for collaboration.

Alake, said Nigeria must grow it 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 the AfCFTA.

He said even though the AfCFTA was not the solution to the Nigerian economy, the country could maximise advantages from it by supporting the growth of the manufacturing sector.

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.