Lafia: Dangote Industries Limited is collaborating with key stakeholders in the economy to enhance the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria, as announced by Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, Senior Adviser to the President of Dangote Group. Speaking at the Dangote Special Day during the 2025 Nasarawa Trade Fair Exhibition, she emphasized the company's partnership with the Nigeria Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Nasarawa State Chapter, which aims to increase awareness and support for small businesses.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Wali-Abdurrahman, represented by Dr. Shuaibu Abdullahi, the company's National Assembly Liaison Lead, stated that Dangote Group is committed to collaborating with both governmental and private sectors to foster the development of small businesses. She highlighted a significant initiative, where the Aliko Dangote Foundation and the Bank of Industry (BoI) have established a N5 billion fund through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), designed to support MSMEs in Nigeria. This initiative is expected to create at least one million direct jobs by providing financial assistance to entrepreneurs involved in manufacturing, agro-processing, and the merchandising of locally produced goods.
The MoU will benefit a variety of micro-enterprises, including cassava processors, aluminum artisans, poultry farmers, calabash carving groups, small traders, cattle rearing groups, vegetable sellers, market women, and artisan groups. Additionally, Dangote Group's commitment to supporting MSMEs is further demonstrated by its assistance to Jakura Marble Industry Ltd (JMIL) in electrification efforts.
In alignment with its dedication to agriculture and job creation, Dangote Fertiliser Limited has launched a comprehensive training program for over one million farmers nationwide. This program includes Spot Demonstrations, Result Demonstrations, Field Demonstrations, and Soil Sample Collections, all aiming to educate farmers on best practices in fertilizer application to improve crop yields and promote sustainable farming techniques. The hands-on demonstrations and soil analysis are designed to empower farmers with the necessary knowledge and tools to boost productivity and livelihoods.
The company's efforts in fostering economic development extend to mineral and agricultural cottage industrialization. Sponsorship of various trade fairs, including the one organized by NASSI, underscores Dangote Group's commitment to promoting trade and small business growth across Nigeria. By supporting such events, the company aims to provide MSMEs with platforms to showcase their products, connect with potential partners, and access new markets, thereby contributing to the nation's economic progress.
Wali-Abdurrahman called on public and private sector stakeholders to prioritize MSMEs in Nigeria, highlighting this as a crucial aspect of the country's industrialization efforts. Participating Strategic Business Units from the Dangote Group include Dangote Fertiliser Limited, Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited, Dangote SinoTruck, Dangote Sugar Refinery, Dangote Salt (NASCON), and Dangote Cement Plc.