Aliko Dangote, President and Chairman of Dangote Industries Limited, has called on the Federal Government to urgently convene a national retreat to address Nigeria’s persistent electricity shortages, warning that continued power outages could undermine industrialisation and economic growth.
Dangote made the appeal at the official launch of the National Industrial Policy 2025 in Abuja, themed “From Policy to Productivity: Implementing Nigeria’s Industrial Future.” The event drew top government officials, industry leaders, and development partners, with Vice President Kashim Shettima representing President Bola Tinubu.
He stressed that without reliable electricity, Nigeria would struggle to create jobs or boost manufacturing productivity. “One of the things that I want to advise Your Excellency is to call a national forum where we will have a one or two day retreat and resolve the issues of power. Because without power, there is no way to create growth or create jobs,” Dangote said.
While praising government policies supporting industrialisation, Dangote highlighted electricity as the single most critical constraint for manufacturers. He noted that many companies now spend more on self-generated power than on production due to erratic supply. “Some factories set up their own power plant and also a standby. That does not make sense. There is nowhere you can get prosperity that way,” he added.
Dangote also emphasized the need for protection of domestic industries against excessive importation. “Even if you give us zero interest loans, free land, and power, if there is no protection, no industry will thrive here. Importation of anything is importation of poverty and exportation of jobs,” he said.
The appeal comes amid recent nationwide blackouts linked to gas maintenance activities affecting seven power plants between February 12 and 15, 2026. Stakeholders warn that frequent outages force businesses to rely on diesel, raising production costs and contributing to inflation.
Dangote further highlighted the private sector’s dominant role in Nigeria’s economy, contributing almost 90 percent of GDP. He urged collaboration between government and businesses, protection of local industries, and reduced import dependence to strengthen the naira and attract investment.
He concluded that urgent reforms in the power sector are essential for the success of the National Industrial Policy 2025, which aims to boost local production, create jobs, and position Nigeria as a manufacturing hub in Africa.
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