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Dangote Urges Swift Legislation of ‘Nigeria First’ Policy to Drive Manufacturing Sector’s Growth
Africa’s leading industrialist, Aliko Dangote has made a passionate plea to the Federal Government to urgently legislate and implement the proposed “Nigeria First” Policy.
He considers it as a critical lever for revitalizing Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
The legislation, according to him, holds the keys to accelerating the nation’s economic growth and creating sustainable employment opportunities.
Addressing manufacturers in Lagos at the 53rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Alh Dangote lauded the theme of this year’s gathering “Nigeria First: Prioritizing Made-in-Nigeria” describing it as a timely and strategic call to action.
“The ‘Nigeria First’ Policy is not just a slogan but a call to action for sustained development and transformation led by our manufacturers,” Dangote stated. “If implemented effectively, it can boost GDP, reduce import dependence, and generate jobs across the country”, Dangote charges
He emphasised that the policy represents a transformative framework capable of propelling Nigeria toward industrial self-sufficiency and global competitiveness. Drawing parallels with global economic powerhouses such as China, India, and the United States, Dangote underscored the importance of adopting a locally tailored industrial policy to protect and promote domestic industries.
Despite Nigeria’s vast potential, Dangote expressed concern that manufacturing contributes less than 10 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a figure that has stagnated for over a decade. He attributed this to persistent structural challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, policy inconsistency, high energy costs, foreign exchange volatility, and limited access to finance.
To address these challenges, Alh Dangote outlined some strategic priorities that manufacturers expect from the Nigeria First framework among which is: to legislate the Nigeria First Policy by enacting it into law with enforceable compliance mechanisms; Ensure Policy Stability and Long-Term Commitment – Avoiding policy reversals to foster investor confidence; Develop a National Supplier Registry–Creating a verified database of local manufacturers for government procurement; Drive Consumer Engagement and National Pride–Launch a robust “Buy Made in Nigeria” campaign and Incentivise Backward Integration-to support companies investing in local raw materials and Research and Development.
As part of the strategy, Dangote also urged the government to address Infrastructure and Energy Deficits by improving access to affordable power and efficient logistics; Enhance Access to Finance by lowering interest rates and expand funding for manufacturing enterprises and Leverage AfCFTA Opportunities by strengthening export capacity to boost regional competitiveness.
The Industrialist also cited the collapse of Nigeria’s once-thriving textile industry which employed over 500,000 people across 180 mills at its peak as a cautionary tale of the dangers of unchecked importation and weak policy support.
ALSO READ: Okpebholo Orders Edo Schools to Teach Indigenous Languages
He stressed that the Nigeria First Policy must transcend political cycles and rhetoric to become a binding national strategy. “Every nation is in a race to improve the living conditions of its citizens. The government has taken some steps that give us a fighting chance. The Nigeria First policy, if embraced, will place us in a very competitive position. Let’s act,” he urged.
The 53rd MAN AGM brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and development partners to chart a path for revitalizing Nigeria’s manufacturing sector and positioning it for long-term, inclusive growth.
Photo Caption
Director General, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Segun Ajayi-Kadir; Engr. Ahmed Mansur (Representative of Guest Speaker, Aliko Dangote, GCON, President/CE, Dangote Industries Limited, receiving an award); Hon Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen. John Enoh (Rep. of President of Nigeria); President of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Otunba Francis Meshioye; at the 53 Annual Meeting of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN)/5th Adetola Odutola Lecture Presidential Luncheon in Lagos on Thursday, October 16, 2025
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LASTMA Alerts Motorists to Traffic Delays on Ogunnusi Road
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has alerted motorists to traffic delays along Ogunnusi Road towards Ojodu-Berger due to ongoing rehabilitation work.
LASTMA disclosed this in a post on its official X account on Sunday, stating that the road rehabilitation was being carried out by the Lagos State Public Works Corporation (LSPWC).
According to the agency, “The ongoing work is affecting traffic flow, with vehicles moving at a slower pace in both directions.”
ALSO READ: Chaos On Lagos-Ibadan Expressway As LASTMA Shuts Otedola Bridge
To ease the situation, LASTMA said a contraflow arrangement had been introduced for motorists travelling from Omole Junction towards Vis Junction.
“A contraflow arrangement is in place for vehicles coming from Omole Junction towards Vis Junction to facilitate the movement of traffic,” the agency stated.
LASTMA added that its personnel had been deployed to manage traffic and ensure the continuous movement of vehicles around the affected area.
“Our personnel are on ground managing the traffic situation and ensuring the continuous flow of vehicular movement,” the agency said.
The traffic management authority advised motorists to remain patient and exercise caution while the rehabilitation work continues.
“Motorists are advised to exercise patience and drive with caution while the rehabilitation work continues,” LASTMA stated.
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Dangote Investments are Catalysts for Africa’s Economic Growth – AFC
Leading economists, financial experts and industry stakeholders have described the Dangote Group’s investments as major drivers of industrialisation and economic transformation across Nigeria and Africa.
The experts cited the Group’s impact on job creation, import substitution, foreign exchange conservation and economic competitiveness.
They voiced their thoughts at the Lagos Economic Summit themed “The Real Deal: Africa’s Greatest Investment Opportunity,” where they urged governments to implement policies that strengthen local industries and accelerate economic diversification.
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), Samaila Zubairu, commended the Dangote Group’s sustained investments across Africa, describing them as critical to unlocking the continent’s economic potential.
He noted that while recent economic reforms have improved foreign exchange stability, strengthened reserves and eased inflationary pressures, the focus must now shift to growth in industry, productivity and employment.
READ ALSO: NMDPRA Shares July Domestic Cooking Gas Supply Details
Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Muda Yusuf, said industrialisation remains the most effective path to sustainable economic development.
He called for better alignment of trade and industrial policies, stressing that local manufacturers require strategic support to compete effectively and drive broader economic benefits.
Founder and CEO of Nairametrics, Ugodre Obi-Chukwu, said Africa’s growing population presents a significant industrial opportunity, noting that investments such as the Dangote Refinery are helping to retain capital within the continent while strengthening local production capacity.
In his keynote address, Managing Director of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismarck Rewane, said Nigeria is gradually transitioning from a consumption-led economy to one driven by investment and production.
He added that sustained investments in productive sectors will continue to stimulate growth, create jobs and improve living standards.
Participants at the summit also advocated stronger credit infrastructure, improved national identification systems and increased investment in skills development to enhance the productivity and global competitiveness of Africa’s growing youth population.
Photo Caption: From Left – Chief Economist, Dangote Industries Limited, Dr. Hassan Mahmud; Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru; Chairman of Occasion/Special Guest of Honour, Samaila Zubairu; Key Note Speaker Session 1, Bismarck Rewane; during the Real Deal: Africa’s Greatest Investment Opportunity, Sponsored by Dangote Industry Limited in Lagos on Thursday 3, September 2026.
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VDM Fires Back at Police, Releases First ‘Evidence’ Over Kidnap Claims
Social media critic Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has released what he described as his first piece of evidence after the Nigeria Police Force challenged him to substantiate his allegations that some police officers allegedly collaborate with kidnappers.
VDM released a video on his Instagram handle on Thursday, August 27, 2026, shortly after the police invited him to provide evidence supporting the claims he made at the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt.
SEE MORE: ‘Provide Evidence’ — Police React to VDM’s Explosive Kidnap Allegation
The activist captioned the video: “My evidence number 1.”
Recalled that VDM, who was a panellist at the NBA conference on Tuesday, had alleged that some police officers manning checkpoints along major highways provide kidnappers and bandits with information about travellers.
According to him, the officers allegedly relay details about the identities and movements of travellers to criminal groups, thereby facilitating abductions for ransom.
The allegation triggered a response from the Nigeria Police Force, which denied the claim and challenged VDM to substantiate his allegations.
The police invitation came as the force sought evidence to support the serious claims made by the social media critic.
In response, VDM released the video, describing it as his “evidence number 1”, signalling that he may provide further material to support his allegations.
The development has continued to attract attention, with the controversy placing renewed focus on allegations of possible collaboration between security personnel and criminal groups involved in kidnapping and banditry.






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