President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has called for increased investment in local manufacturing and power infrastructure, stressing the need for Nigeria to achieve economic independence through self-sufficiency.
Dangote made the call on Friday at the Nigerian Academy of Engineering induction ceremony held in Victoria Island, Lagos, where he was conferred with the title of Distinguished Honorary Fellow.
Speaking at the event, the 69-year-old industrialist emphasised the importance of developing local capacity in design, fabrication, and production.
“True economic independence is impossible without technical sovereignty. We must fabricate, design and build what we consume,” he said, urging stakeholders to prioritise local content development.
He also underscored the critical role of stable electricity in driving industrial growth, calling for urgent efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s power grid.
“We must build power infrastructure. It is essential for national development,” he added.
Dangote highlighted the role of engineering innovation in the success of the Dangote Refinery, noting that the facility was designed with a capacity that rivals leading refineries globally.
He reaffirmed his company’s commitment to industrialisation across Nigeria and Africa, stating that the goal remains to reduce dependence on imported goods and prove that large-scale local production is achievable.
The business mogul also raised concerns about the growing influence of artificial intelligence, warning that it could gradually reshape aspects of engineering design. He urged professionals in the field to take an active role in guiding its adoption.
Meanwhile, Dangote recently disclosed plans to expand operations beyond Nigeria, announcing a proposed 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery in East Africa as part of a $40 billion investment drive, subject to government support.
