Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, has flagged off the construction of what will be “the largest sugar plant in Africa” when completed.
During the event in Tunga, Nasarawa State, on Thursday, the billionaire expressed optimism that the project would not only boost the economic diversification agenda of the federal government but also provide jobs for the teeming unemployed population while bringing Nigeria closer to sugar self-sufficiency.
In a series of tweets Thursday evening, Dangote also praised Godwin Emefiele, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), for his “contribution towards reviving the nation’s agricultural sector”.
In another tweet, he eulogised Audu Ogbeh, Minister of Agriculture, and Okechukwu Enalamah, his trade and investment counterpart.
Below are the tweets:
Today we celebrate another milestone that will transform our economy. Our Tunga Sugar Project will create the largest sugar plant in Africa
— Aliko Dangote (@AlikoDangote) June 8, 2017
This project will further diversify our economy, create employment and help achieve self-sufficiency in sugar production.
— Aliko Dangote (@AlikoDangote) June 8, 2017
Our profound gratitude to our host, H.E. the Gov. of Nasarawa State, Alhaji Al-Makura & the good people of Nasarawa State for their support
— Aliko Dangote (@AlikoDangote) June 8, 2017
(cont) the CBN Gov., Mr Godwin Emefiele, for his contribution towards reviving the nation’s agricultural sector.
— Aliko Dangote (@AlikoDangote) June 8, 2017
(cont) Hon. Min. of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh for transforming the Agricultural sector
— Aliko Dangote (@AlikoDangote) June 8, 2017
(cont)and the the Min.of Industry, Trade & Investment, Dr. Okey Enelamah, a constant factor in increasing our confidence in the Nig.economy
— Aliko Dangote (@AlikoDangote) June 8, 2017
Earlier last month during a visit to Tanko Al-Makura, Governor of Nasarawa State, Dangote had said the plant would be capable of producing 480 tons of sugar while generating 96 mega watts of electricity for the state.
“The production capacity of the sugar factory in Nasarawa will be the first in West Africa,” he said.
“No sugar factory produces more than 250 tones, so we are doing double in the state. We need about 600 trucks to distribute the sugar across the country.”
The Dangote group is also undertaking a Petroleum refinery project in Lekki, Lagos State, which will “satisfy 100% of the petrol need of Nigeria”.