Nasarawa State, under the leadership of Governor Abdullahi Sule, has extended an invitation to Dangote Industries Limited to broaden its investment footprint within the state. Recognizing the immense potential for economic growth and development, Governor Sule, through Commissioner Muhammed Otto of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Investment, highlighted Nasarawa’s abundant natural resources, particularly its rich deposits of solid minerals, emphasizing that a strengthened partnership with the Dangote Group would significantly accelerate Nigeria’s industrialization efforts. This appeal was made during the Nasarawa Trade Fair Exhibition, an event significantly sponsored by the Dangote Group, underscoring the company’s existing commitment to the state’s economic progress. The governor’s call for increased investment aligns with his administration’s vision to transform Nasarawa into a major industrial hub, leveraging its natural endowments and strategic location.
The Dangote Group’s current involvement in Nasarawa State, notably its operation of the Nasarawa Sugar Company Limited, has been recognized as a successful venture, fostering optimism for further collaboration. Commissioner Otto lauded the Group’s performance at the sugar company, expressing confidence that the achieved success serves as a strong foundation for expanding the partnership into other key sectors. This positive assessment underscores the potential for mutually beneficial growth, with Dangote’s investments bolstering the state’s economy and, in turn, creating a favorable environment for the company’s continued expansion. The sugar project, upon completion, is projected to be one of the largest sugar investments in Africa, demonstrating the scale of Dangote’s commitment and its potential impact on Nasarawa’s agricultural and industrial landscape.
The Nasarawa Trade Fair Exhibition, sponsored by the Dangote Group, has been hailed as a crucial driver of economic transformation for the state. Nidan Manasseh, Chairman of the Nigeria Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI) in Nasarawa State, praised the fair’s impact and urged the Dangote Group to diversify its investments within the state. Manasseh emphasized the alignment of the trade fair with Governor Sule’s vision to attract investments and stimulate economic growth. The fair serves as a platform to showcase Nasarawa’s investment potential, connect businesses, and foster partnerships, reinforcing the state’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for industrial development. This aligns with Governor Sule’s broader strategy to position Nasarawa as an attractive destination for both domestic and foreign investors.
Reinforcing the state’s openness to investment, Khadija Nuhu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Investment, declared Nasarawa “strategically open for business.” This declaration serves as a formal invitation to the Dangote Group and other potential investors to explore the numerous opportunities available in the state. Nuhu’s statement highlights the proactive stance of the state government in seeking partnerships and fostering a business-friendly environment. This proactive approach seeks to attract investment across various sectors, contributing to job creation, infrastructure development, and overall economic prosperity within Nasarawa State.
The Dangote Group, in response to the state’s invitation, has affirmed its commitment to Nasarawa, recognizing its strategic importance within the Group’s overall investment strategy in Nigeria. Anthony Chiejina, Chief Branding and Communication Officer of the Dangote Group, highlighted the significance of Nasarawa as the home of the Nasarawa Sugar Company Limited, underscoring the Group’s existing presence and long-term investment in the state. This reaffirmation of commitment signals a positive outlook for future collaborations, reinforcing the potential for a mutually beneficial partnership that contributes to both the state’s and the company’s growth.
Furthermore, Fatima Abdurrahman, Senior Special Adviser to the President of Dangote Group, emphasized the Group’s diversified participation in the Nasarawa Trade Fair Exhibition. Several business units, including Dangote Fertiliser Limited, Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited, Dangote SinoTruck, Dangote Sugar Refinery, Dangote Salt, and Dangote Cement Plc, showcased their products and services, reflecting the breadth of the Group’s portfolio and its potential contribution to various sectors of the Nasarawa economy. This diverse representation showcases the Dangote Group’s capacity to engage in multiple sectors, potentially contributing to a more comprehensive and impactful investment strategy within Nasarawa State. This multifaceted approach aligns with the state’s objective of attracting investments across a range of industries, promoting balanced economic development and maximizing the benefits of the partnership.
