The President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has urged federal and state governments to prioritize local investors by creating an environment that supports their growth. He emphasized that local investors possess the capacity to generate employment and harness Nigeria’s abundant resources.
While addressing participants at the Taraba International Investment Summit in Jalingo on Wednesday, Dangote highlighted how local investors, including his own companies, currently serve as significant sources of revenue for the federal government.
He praised the Taraba State government for organizing the summit, describing it as timely. He said the initiative would foster partnerships between the government and private sector—an essential approach to achieving sustainable economic growth in the state.
Dangote pointed out that Taraba State boasts vast agricultural potential, solid mineral resources, and tourism opportunities. He said the summit would effectively showcase these assets to both local and foreign investors.
Although he acknowledged the value of foreign direct investment, Dangote stressed that foreign investors usually follow the success of local ones. “The government must first encourage domestic investments,” he said.
He committed to continue investing in Nigeria and promised to encourage other businesses to do the same. He explained that strong local investor performance naturally attracts foreign investors without the need for invitations.
“We will remain here and keep investing in Nigeria to improve lives by creating more jobs,” Dangote said. “When local investors thrive, foreign ones will follow. If you run a good restaurant, people will come without being invited. Focus on local investors, and this state will shine.”
