Hajia Fatima Aliko-Dangote, the Executive Director, Commercial Operations of Dangote Group, has reiterated the company’s determination to address the high youth unemployment rate in Nigeria, emphasizing that positive youth engagement is pivotal for mitigating the country’s security challenges.
Speaking at the recently concluded Lagos International Trade Fair during the “Dangote Day,” Fatima highlighted that the primary goal of Aliko Dangote, the President of Dangote Group, has always been to assist the three tiers of government in the country in poverty eradication.
The most effective way for Dangote Group to contribute to this effort, she explained, is by actively participating in the elimination of youth unemployment.
As the largest private employer in Nigeria outside the Federal Government, Dangote Group places a high priority on creating additional employment opportunities for Nigerian youth, aiming to make them significant contributors to the nation’s growth and development.
Fatima emphasized that engaging the youth positively will not only enhance their livelihoods but also contribute to reducing the security challenges faced by the country.
“The desire of our President, Aliko Dangote, is to ensure that Nigerian youths are ably employed because it is only when this happens that they can also contribute their own quota to the growth and development of the county. And once the youths are also positively engaged, the security challenges of the country will abate,” she stated.
Fatima further highlighted the Group’s commitment to deepening the Nigerian economy through industrialization, job creation, infrastructure provision and rehabilitation, and citizen welfare.
The strategic partnership with major Chambers of Commerce across the nation underscores Dangote Group’s dedication to promoting industrialization.
“Our investment decisions at Dangote Group are focused on creating values for all stakeholders. We have invested in several projects meant to create jobs and enhance the rapid industrialization of the Nigerian economy,” she added.
Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole, President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), commended Dangote Group for its significant role in job creation and its contributions to solving unemployment-related issues.
He acknowledged the conglomerate’s impact on the African continent, particularly in sectors such as cement production, and noted its potential to address petroleum scarcity in Nigeria through its venture into oil and gas.
Dr. Olawale-Cole urged other corporate entities to emulate Dangote Group’s commitment to assisting the government by providing infrastructure support, even through initiatives like the tax credit scheme introduced by the Federal Government.
