Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Industries, has urged Nigeria’s government to convene an urgent national retreat to resolve the country’s chronic electricity crisis, warning that persistent power outages threaten industrialisation and economic growth. His appeal was made during the official launch of the National Industrial Policy 2025 in Abuja, an initiative aimed at bolstering local production and reducing import dependency.
Speaking at the event, attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima representing President Bola Tinubu, Dangote stressed that stable electricity is non-negotiable for job creation and industrial productivity. “No power, no growth,” he stated, adding that manufacturers currently spend more on diesel-powered generators than on actual production—an unsustainable situation that undermines prosperity.
The National Industrial Policy 2025 addresses structural challenges including poor power supply, high production costs, infrastructure deficits, and heavy import reliance. Dangote acknowledged the policy’s incentives as commendable but argued that without robust infrastructure and protection for domestic industries, local manufacturing cannot thrive. He cautioned that unchecked importation, particularly of goods that can be produced locally, equates to “importation of poverty and exportation of jobs.”
His comments coincide with a recent five-day nationwide power disruption caused by gas supply constraints for maintenance at a Seplat Energy facility, which affected several power plants and triggered widespread load shedding. This incident underscored the fragility of the grid and the heavy burden on businesses forced to rely on expensive alternative energy.
Dangote highlighted the private sector’s dominant role in Nigeria’s economy, contributing nearly 90% of GDP, and called for deeper government-industry collaboration. He emphasized that while entrepreneurs must fulfil tax obligations, the government must prioritise safeguarding local industries from dumping and unfair competition, especially given Nigeria’s high interest rates and infrastructure gaps.
Recent economic reforms, including currency stabilisation measures, have improved investor confidence, Dangote noted. He projected that reducing import dependence through local production would further strengthen the naira and create jobs.
The success of the National Industrial Policy 2025 hinges significantly on resolving the power sector’s instability. Dangote’s advocacy reflects broad private sector concerns that without urgent, coordinated action to ensure reliable electricity, Nigeria’s industrial ambitions and broader economic diversification goals will remain unattainable.
