Dangote's Investment in Ethiopia hits $4bn, vows to ensure Food Security in Africa

President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has reaffirmed his commitment to boosting food security across Africa through large-scale fertiliser investments, declaring that the continent has the capacity to feed itself and become a net exporter of agricultural products.

Dangote made this known while addressing journalists in Gode, in Ethiopia’s Somali region, during a high-profile visit hosted by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

The Prime Minister personally received Dangote and accompanied him to inspect the site of the proposed fertiliser plant, where construction activities are already underway.

Speaking on the strategic importance of fertiliser in agricultural productivity, Dangote noted that Africa’s food insecurity challenges are largely due to limited access to key inputs.

“Africa holds immense agricultural potential, yet continues to grapple with food insecurity due to limited access to fertiliser,” he said. “Through our investments, we are committed to reversing this trend by boosting productivity, empowering farmers, and advancing a sustainable path to food self-sufficiency.”

He added that the Group’s ambition, though bold, is achievable with sustained investment in fertiliser production and agricultural infrastructure.

“Africa has the capacity to feed itself and even export to the rest of the world. Our fertiliser investments across the continent are designed to unlock that potential and secure a prosperous future for our people,” Dangote stated.

Dangote also announced a significant increase in the Group’s investment in Ethiopia, rising from $2.5 billion to over $4 billion. The expanded scope includes critical infrastructure such as a 110-kilometre pipeline, a 120MW power plant, a polypropylene packaging facility, and a two-million-tonne NPK blending plant, among other new components.

He described Ethiopia as a key strategic destination for Dangote Group’s long-term investments.

“In total, our declared and signed investments in Ethiopia now exceed $4 billion. This makes Ethiopia the second-largest recipient of our investments in Africa, accounting for nearly nine per cent of our continental outlay between now and 2030,” he said.

Dangote further commended Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s leadership and vision for economic transformation.

“The Prime Minister is driving development beyond expectations, but such progress requires strong private sector collaboration. We are proud to partner with Ethiopia to help build one of Africa’s most dynamic economies in the coming decade,” he added.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, in his remarks, described Dangote as a trusted partner and commended the pace of work on the fertiliser project, which he said aligns with Ethiopia’s broader development priorities.

He emphasised that the project would significantly boost domestic fertiliser production, reduce dependence on imports, and provide critical support to millions of Ethiopian farmers.

According to the Prime Minister, the fertiliser plant will also create extensive employment opportunities, strengthen the industrial value chain, and reinforce Ethiopia’s position as an emerging agro-industrial hub in Africa.

“This type of large-scale investment demonstrates the power of strong collaboration between government and the private sector,” he said. “Expanding such partnerships will accelerate economic growth, attract further investment, and improve the livelihoods of our people.”

The Dangote fertiliser initiative is widely seen as a transformative step toward reshaping Africa’s agricultural landscape, with the potential to enhance productivity, reduce import dependence, and drive inclusive economic growth across the continent.

Credit Dangote Group PR

NNPC Foundation hands over MRI Machine to Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital

NNPC Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of NNPC Limited has commissioned and handed over a fully installed 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) System to the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State. 

The intervention, which is in furtherance of NNPC Ltd’s commitment to improving healthcare access and strengthening medical infrastructure across Nigeria, is expected to significantly improve access to advanced diagnostic imaging services for millions of Nigerians across the South-East (Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Abia and Ebonyi States) as well as neighbouring Delta State. 

The intervention involved the delivery, installation, calibration, testing, and commissioning of the state-of-the-art 1.5 Tesla MRI Machine alongside critical supporting infrastructure, including RF shielding systems, chillers, backup UPS systems, electrical installations, specialized imaging accessories, ventilation systems, CCTV and oxygen monitoring systems, intercom communication facilities, and other patient comfort technologies designed to ensure optimal operation of the facility. 

Prior to the intervention, patients requiring advanced MRI diagnostic services often faced prolonged waiting periods, exorbitant costs, and the burden of travelling long distances in search of functional imaging centres. 

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony held at the Igwe Orizu ICT Centre, NAUTH Permanent Site, Anambra State, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, represented by the Managing Director of NNPC Foundation Ltd./Gte, Emmanuella Arukwe, described the intervention as a strategic investment in healthcare access, diagnostic precision, and improved patient outcomes, noting that the facility aligns with the Company’s commitment to building sustainable systems and impactful national institutions. 

“The installation of the MRI in NAUTH exemplifies our commitment as our intent is to build enduring institutions, sustainable systems and legacies. This intervention aligns with our conviction that access to quality healthcare underpins human dignity, longevity and economic productivity," the GCEO stated. 

‎He described the Company’s social investments as viable currencies that strengthen the relationship between the Company’s core mandate of providing and managing energy for Nigerians and meeting stakeholders’ expectations. 

‎In his remarks, Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Afam Obidike said the intervention would enhance safe and precise diagnosis and treatment for patients across the South-East region. 

‎He also commended NNPC Foundation for donating the MRI facility to the state, noting that the intervention would significantly improve access to quality healthcare services for the people. 

‎Also speaking, the Executive Vice President, Business Services, NNPC Ltd., Sophia Mbakwe, who was represented by Chief Supply Chain Officer, NNPC Ltd., Isokariari Telema reiterated the Company’s commitment to responsive and equitable social investments aimed at positively impacting the lives of Nigerians. 

‎“In over forty years of its existence, NNPC has stayed the course in impacting lives positively across Nigeria – supporting with infrastructural development, social amenities, educational sponsorships, and a host of other projects and initiatives that have underscored our values of Integrity, Excellence and Sustainability.” 

‎For his part, the Chief Medical Director, NAUTH, Joseph Ugboaja, lauded the leadership of NNPC Ltd. for recognising the strategic importance of healthcare to national prosperity and well-being, while assuring the Foundation of the hospital’s commitment to maximizing the MRI facility for public benefit. 

‎"For too long, patients in our catchment area have had to travel long distance to access this level of diagnostic precision, often at prohibitive costs. With this installation, we will eliminate that burden. NNPC Foundation has demonstrated that corporate social responsibility is not just a policy statement but a lifeline for the institutions like ours." he concluded. 

Credit NNPCL PR

Nigeria needs Attack Helicopters urgently to overwhelm Terrorists, that is my priority now - Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has welcomed aircraft manufacturer Airbus’ proposal to establish maintenance and hangar facilities in Nigeria to position the country as a regional aviation services hub.

The president also stressed Nigeria’s urgent need for modern helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to support security operations, logistics and national development priorities across the country.

Tinubu stated this during a meeting with an Airbus delegation led by Head of Regional Business Growth Africa and the Middle East, Thierry Cloutet, on the sidelines of the just concluded Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda.

This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga in Abuja.

Tinubu told the delegation that his administration was determined to deepen relations with Airbus by leveraging the company’s comparative advantage in military aircraft and aerospace development.

The president also called for the accelerated delivery of three Apache helicopters already ordered by Nigeria to strengthen ongoing security and counterterrorism operations nationwide.

“Nigeria needs attack helicopters urgently that can be used to confront and overwhelm terrorists. That is my priority now,” Tinubu said.

Discussions at the meeting also focused on Nigeria’s acquisition of the Airbus C-295 platform and broader defence aviation cooperation between both parties.

The talks further covered aircraft leasing and financing models, including export credit arrangements, sale-and-lease-back structures and long-term financing solutions to improve airlines’ access to aircraft.

Tinubu also discussed the possibility of establishing an aviation leasing company to unlock value across Nigeria’s aviation value chain and improve financing access for domestic operators.

Cloutet commended Tinubu’s economic reforms and efforts aimed at stabilising Nigeria’s aviation sector and improving investor confidence in the economy.

He reaffirmed Airbus’ commitment to supporting Nigeria’s long-term aerospace development objectives and expanding cooperation across strategic areas within the aviation industry.

In support of the administration’s aviation modernisation agenda, Cloutet proposed what he described as a “360-degree engagement” model with Nigeria.

According to him, the proposed engagement would cover commercial aviation, military aircraft cooperation, human capital development, sustainability initiatives, operational hubs and maintenance infrastructure.

The Airbus executive added that the partnership would also include collaboration on satellite technology and Earth observation systems to support Nigeria’s broader development and security objectives.

Credit NAN: Texts excluding Headline