The Aliko Dangote Foundation and the Bank of Industry (BoI) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), leading to the establishment of a N5 billion fund dedicated to supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria.
Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman,
Senior Adviser to the President of Dangote Group, disclosed this at the Dangote Special Day at the ongoing 2025 Nasarawa Trade Fair Exhibition in Lafia.
According to her, this
initiative aimed to create at least one million direct jobs by providing financial support to entrepreneurs engaged in manufacturing, agro-processing, and the merchandising of goods made wholly in Nigeria.
She said the participation of the Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) and partnership with the Nigeria Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Nasarawa State Chapter, will help create awareness and scale up small businesses.
The Senior Adviser, who was represented by Hon. Dr. Shuaibu Abdullahi, the company’s National Assembly Liaison Lead, said Dangote Group will continue to partner government and private sectors to develop small businesses.
She said: “I am pleased to inform you that in alignment with theme of this year’s Trade Fair, the Aliko Dangote Foundation and the Bank of Industry (BoI) had entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and established a N5 billion fund dedicated to supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria.
“This initiative aimed to create at least one million direct jobs by providing financial support to entrepreneurs engaged in manufacturing, agro-processing, and the merchandising of goods made wholly in Nigeria.”
She added that the MoU, which benefitted micro-enterprises included : cassava processors, aluminum artisans, poultry farmers, calabash carving groups, small traders, cattle rearing groups, vegetable sellers, market women and artisan groups, among others.
She said as part for its support for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria, the company had supported Jakura Marble Industry Ltd (JMIL) in electrification.
She added that in line with the company’s commitment to supporting small businesses, agriculture, and job creation in Nigeria, Dangote Fertiliser Limited had initiated a comprehensive training programme, targeting over one million farmers across the country.
“This programme, integral to our agricultural extension services, encompasses Spot Demonstrations, Result Demonstrations, Field Demonstrations, and Soil Sample Collections.
“The training is designed to educate farmers on best practices in fertiliser application, aiming to enhance crop yields and promote sustainable farming techniques.
“By providing hands-on demonstrations and soil analysis, we strive to empower farmers with the knowledge and tools necessary to improve their productivity and livelihoods.
“This programme shows our dedication to fostering agricultural development and economic growth in Nigeria.”
According to her, the company’s support for fostering economic development through mineral and agricultural cottage Industrialization are numerous.
“May I also inform this esteemed audience that our sponsorship of numerous Trade Fairs—including this one organized by the Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI)—is a key component of our commitment to fostering the growth of trade and small businesses across Nigeria.
“By supporting this Trade Fair, we aim to provide micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with platforms to showcase their products, network with potential partners, and access new markets, thereby contributing to the nation’s economic development.
“As a company, we are therefore joining NASSI and NACCIMA to call on the public and private sector stakeholders to prioritize MSMES in Nigeria.
“This is key to our industrialization effort in Nigeria,” she explained.
According to her, some of the Strategic Business Units that are participating from the Dangote Group are: Dangote Fertiliser Limited (DFL), Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited (DPAN), Dangote SinoTruck, Dangote Sugar Refinery (DSR), Dangote Salt (NASCON) and Dangote Cement Plc.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
