By Abubakar Yunusa
The Vice President of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Olakunle Alake, alongside the Managing Director of NASCON Allied Industries Plc, Aderemi Saka, have called for increased investment in industrial hubs and local value addition to accelerate economic growth and strengthen Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
The business leaders made the call during the CEO Forum at the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
Speaking on behalf of Alake, Isa Yusuf Aruwa highlighted that the Dangote Group continues to champion industrial hubs as catalysts for sustainable economic expansion, citing the proposed Dangote Olokola Industrial Hub in Ondo State as a prime example.
He explained that co-locating enterprises in specialized hubs enables companies to achieve economies of scale, lower operational costs, create job opportunities, and foster cross-sector knowledge sharing.
“An integrated industrial hub offers the opportunity to address several constraints together: energy, logistics, manufacturing infrastructure, and access to markets,” Alake stated, emphasizing that the broader economic impact depends on how intentionally investments are connected to surrounding local economies.
He added that the true success of any industrial hub lies in the growth of secondary businesses around it, noting that major corporations can uplift smaller enterprises through mentorship, supplier development, apprenticeships, technical testing, and structured procurement frameworks.
In her presentation focused on driving a “Productivity Revolution for Growth,” NASCON Managing Director Aderemi Saka urged a comprehensive review of the national manufacturing value chain, particularly regarding raw material sourcing and packaging inputs.
She questioned whether Nigeria possesses local small enterprises capable of producing quality raw materials at scale to feed larger industries and sustain uninterrupted manufacturing.
Saka emphasized that boosting national productivity requires equipping the workforce with modern technical and professional competencies.
She reaffirmed that the Dangote Group, under the leadership of President and Chief Executive Aliko Dangote, remains dedicated to developing young talent through structured training initiatives.
Dangote Industries Limited served as one of the key sponsors of the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit, where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commended the conglomerate for its ongoing contributions to national economic development.
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