ECCIMA applauds Dangote’s contribution to Nigeria’s economic growth

*The Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture hails Dangote Industries Limited for contributions of the conglomerate to the growth of the Nigerian economy and general development on the African continent

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

The Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture (ECCIMA) has applauded the contributions of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), a Pan-African conglomerate, to the growth of Nigeria’s economy and general Africa’s development.

The Group, in a statement, said Mr. Eric Chime, Deputy President of ECCIMA, noted this while speaking at Dangote Group Special Day at the ongoing 2025 Enugu International Trade Fair, in Enugu State, South-East Nigeria.

Chime said the Group, through its various investments, had contributed to the growth and development of the domestic economy.

Welcoming dignitaries, trade exhibitors, industry stakeholders, and the general public to the event, he also hailed the longstanding partnership between ECCIMA and Dangote Group, commending the company’s role as a consistent sponsor and supporter of the trade fair over the years.

The Deputy President of ECCIMA stated: “We are highly delighted to welcome Dangote Plc once again to their special day at the ongoing trade fair.

“Their continued presence and commitment have been instrumental to the success of this annual gathering.

He further said: “Dangote’s contribution to the Nigerian economy is enormous spanning virtually every sector, from cement and food production to their recent game-changing entry into the oil and gas sector through the Dangote Refinery.”

Chime stressed the impact of the refinery, especially in regulating petroleum product prices, deserves national recognition and support. “We call on the Federal Government to continue to support Dangote Group in its efforts to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians,” he urged.

He lauded Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Industries Limited, for his visionary leadership and relentless drive for innovation, noting that the Dangote business empire represents a perfect example of what entrepreneurial excellence can achieve through research, resilience, and dedication.

In his remarks, Mr. Ayirioritse Okerentie, Deputy Regional Director, South-East at Dangote Cement Plc, expressed gratitude to ECCIMA for providing a viable platform to engage stakeholders and show case Dangote Group’s contributions to Nigeria’s economic development.

Okerentie said the theme of the Fair, “Developing Nigeria’s Industrial Sector/SMEs for Economic Advancement & Global Recognition”, speaks directly to the core mission of Dangote Group.

He said: “As Africa’s largest indigenous manufacturing conglomerate, we are focused on Production, Prosperity, Power, and Pride.

“We believe the industrial sector, and by extension SMEs, can play a transformative role in job creation, import substitution, and overall economic advancement.”

The Deputy Regional Director also explained the industrial/manufacturing sector has the capacity to impact significantly on the economy especially in the creation of jobs, provision of goods, reduction in imports of finished products and adding of value to our raw materials.

He noted: “It is generally accepted that a nation’s economic wellbeing is largely dependent on the industrial/manufacturing sector.

“The industrial/manufacturing sector is labour intensive, could create millions of both direct and indirect employments for people of diverse skills such as administrators, accountants, engineers, technicians, marketing & sales among others.

“It can also create indirect employment for supply chain actors in other sectors of the economy such as raw materials suppliers, logistics and transportation, farmers, and miners.”

According to him, companies that want to   be ahead of competition, must invest in innovation, research and development.

Therefore, developing Nigeria industrial sector requires massive investment in technology, adoption of best in-class global practices.

This is the best way for products from Nigeria to gain global recognition. When your products are of global standards, global recognition becomes easy.

The Deputy Regional Director as well observed that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, the conglomerate’s recent flagship project, has exported refined petroleum products such as aviation fuel, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), automotive gas oil, naphtha to many African, European, American and Asian markets.

These products, he stated, conform to the Euro V specifications.