 |
| DSC5011: From left to right: Member of Faculty, National Defence College, Dr Terwase Isaac Sampson; Member of Faculty, National Defence College, Air Vice Marshal Emmanuel Chukwu; Team Coordinator, National Defence College, Brig. Gen. Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro; Vice President, Oil and Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin; Team Leader, National Defence College, Brig. Gen. Muhammed Sani Usman; Member of Faculty, National Defence College, Dr. Chinedu Udeh; Member of Faculty, National Defence College, Brig. Gen. Emere Edwin Chukwumezie; and Member of Faculty, National Defence College, Commodore Abidemi Adebayo Abu. The photograph was taken during the National Defence College, Course 33 visit to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Plant in Lekki, Lagos, on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. |
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has hailed the Dangote Sugar Refinery for its significant investment in Nigeria’s Sugar Backward Integration Policy (BIP), describing its impact on job creation and economic development as monumental.
NDE Director-General, Silas Agara commended Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, during a visit to the company's pavilion at the ongoing Kano International Trade Fair.
Agara praised Dangote's unwavering commitment to achieving sugar self-sufficiency in Nigeria, calling it “unparalleled and worthy of emulation.”
Dangote Sugar has invested over $700 million in the BIP, a move aimed at reducing Nigeria's annual sugar import bill of $337 million.
This initiative is expected to not only boost local sugar production but also catalyse economic growth by generating jobs and developing critical infrastructure in host communities.
Transforming Communities
Agara, a former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, highlighted the impact of the Dangote Sugar project in Tunga, Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, which has significantly improved livelihoods and created job opportunities.
He declared, “Nasarawa is proud of Aliko Dangote. Tunga Sugar is a game-changer for Nigeria's economy.”
Acknowledging the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, Agara urged Dangote Sugar to increase its advocacy and collaboration with stakeholders to further support local communities.
Scaling National Sugar Objectives
The Dangote Sugar Master Plan, encompassing projects in Nasarawa, Adamawa, and Taraba States, is set to produce 700,000 metric tonnes of refined sugar from locally grown sugarcane within four years.
These projects are vital to achieving Nigeria's national sugar goals, which aim to cut dependency on imports and save valuable foreign exchange.
Aliko Dangote, speaking at the company’s Annual General Meeting, expressed optimism about achieving the revised targets for Dangote Sugar operations across Nasarawa and Adamawa States.
He also revealed plans to bring the Lau/Tau project in Taraba State on stream soon.
Strategic Impact
Nigeria is currently one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest sugar importers, second only to South Africa.
Dangote Sugar’s investments, when fully operational, are expected to save the nation more than half of its annual foreign exchange expenditure on sugar imports.
Defence College Visits Dangote Refinery
Separately, members of Course 33 of the National Defence College recently toured the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Plant in Lekki, Lagos.
The delegation, led by Brig. Gen. Muhammed Sani Usman, commended Dangote Industries for its transformative contributions to Nigeria’s industrial sector.
The group met with the Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries, Devakumar Edwin, and discussed the economic significance of the refinery and fertiliser plant.
The visit further highlighted the company’s broader commitment to national development beyond the sugar sector.
Dangote’s investments across diverse industries continue to play a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s economic future, with a focus on self-reliance, job creation, and sustainable development.
Copyright Notice
All rights reserved. The content on this website, including text and other digital materials, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed, in whole or in part, without the express written consent of THE NEWS ACCELERATOR NETWORK.
For advertising inquiries, news coverage, or press releases, please contact us at thenewsacceleratornetwork@gmail.com or call 08144048512, 08051017159.
Post a Comment