The Federal Government has described the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals complex as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s ambition to build a US$1 trillion economy, pledging stronger collaboration with the private sector to accelerate industrialisation, job creation and economic transformation.
The Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, made the remarks after leading a high-level delegation from the ministry on an extensive tour of the 700,000 barrels-per-day Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Dangote Petrochemicals complex and Dangote Fertiliser Limited in Lagos.
Enoh described the integrated industrial complex as one of Africa’s most significant investments and a model for the type of industrial development required to drive Nigeria’s economic growth.
He said the visit reinforced the central role of large-scale manufacturing in implementing the Nigerian Industrial Policy unveiled earlier this year.
“You cannot be Minister in charge of industry and not visit the Dangote Refinery,” Enoh said. “This facility matters because of what it represents for Nigerian industry, for our people and for the realisation of President Bola Tinubu’s vision of a US$1 trillion economy.”
According to the minister, the refinery has become a symbol of value addition, industrial competitiveness and Nigeria’s expanding manufacturing capacity.
“The more a country adds value to its products, the more respect it earns globally. The Dangote Refinery stands today as one of the strongest demonstrations of that principle,” he said.
Enoh added that the refinery had helped reshape international perceptions of Nigeria by transforming the country from a major importer of refined petroleum products into an exporter serving global markets.
Accompanied by directors, regulators and heads of agencies under the ministry, the minister said the delegation gained a deeper appreciation of the facilities’ scale, technological sophistication and strategic importance. He pledged that the ministry and its agencies would continue to champion the refinery and Nigeria’s wider industrialisation agenda.
Speaking during the visit, the President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, urged the Federal Government to place industrialisation at the centre of its economic strategy, arguing that no nation has achieved lasting prosperity without a strong manufacturing base.
Dangote also said the company’s recent fundraising demonstrated the ability of Nigerian businesses to mobilise long-term capital when supported by stable and predictable government policies.
He commended Enoh for his commitment to industrial development.
“We have worked with many Ministers of Industry over the years, but I can confidently say that his commitment is exceptional. His ministry will play a critical role in attracting investment, creating jobs and advancing the President’s US$1 trillion economy agenda,” Dangote said.
Meanwhile, Dangote Cement Plc increased cement and clinker exports from Nigeria by 62.3 per cent to 1.1 million tonnes during the first half of 2026, strengthening the country’s position as a regional manufacturing and export hub.
The company also reported a 22.7 per cent increase in profit after tax to ₦638.5 billion for the six-month period.
According to the company, it dispatched 20 clinker shipments from Nigeria to Ghana, Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire during the period, reflecting rising demand across West Africa and the growing contribution of exports to its pan-African growth strategy.
Unaudited results for the six months ended 30 June 2026 showed that group revenue rose by 21.4 per cent to ₦2.514 trillion, while group EBITDA increased by 25.8 per cent to ₦1.188 trillion, representing a margin of 47.3 per cent.
Earnings per share also climbed by 24.3 per cent to ₦38.22, while the company closed the period with a net cash position of ₦215.2 billion.
