The President and Chairman of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has called on the Federal Government to urgently convene a national retreat to address Nigeria’s persistent electricity crisis, warning that continued power outages could derail the country’s industrialisation drive and economic growth.
Dangote made the appeal on Tuesday at the official national 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 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Speaking during his goodwill message, Dangote stressed that stable electricity supply is fundamental to job creation, industrial productivity and sustainable economic growth.
“One of the things that I want to advise Your Excellency, Mr Vice President, 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 in any country you can create growth or create jobs. So, power means growth. No power, no growth,” he said.
His remarks were met with applause from participants, including the Vice President. Dangote noted that while government policies aimed at supporting industrialisation were commendable, electricity remained the single most critical constraint facing manufacturers.
According to him, incentives alone are insufficient without strong infrastructure and protection of domestic industries.
“The policies that have been put in place are very good. Nigeria is a very big market and we are supposed to be serving other African nations. But policy is not enough. The only thing that is remaining is the protection of industries,” he said.
Dangote warned that excessive importation poses a major threat to local manufacturing, arguing that it undermines job creation and weakens the economy.
“Importation of anything is importation of poverty and exportation of jobs,” he stated, adding that even generous incentives such as zero-interest loans or free land would not sustain industries without adequate protection from dumping and unfair competition.
He lamented that many manufacturers now spend more on self-generated power than on production due to erratic electricity supply.
“Some factories spend more money generating electricity than producing goods. You have to set up your own power plant and also a standby. That does not make sense. There is nowhere you can get prosperity that way,” he said.
Dangote’s comments followed a recent five-day power disruption linked to gas maintenance activities, which triggered widespread blackouts across parts of the country. Seven power plants experienced gas supply constraints between February 12 and 15, 2026, after a major facility was shut down for scheduled maintenance, resulting in nationwide generation shortfalls.
Stakeholders in the organised private sector have repeatedly warned that frequent outages are forcing companies to rely heavily on diesel and alternative energy sources, significantly raising production costs and contributing to inflationary pressures.
Dangote also highlighted the dominance of the private sector in Nigeria’s economy, noting that it contributes nearly 90 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product, compared to the government’s 10 per cent.
“We have what it takes to create massive consumption, massive industry and disposable income,” he said, urging stronger collaboration between government and businesses.
He further commended recent economic reforms, saying they had improved investor confidence and enhanced currency stability.
“With the policies that this government has implemented, people are beginning to see the results. Manufacturers are happy. The stability of the currency is encouraging investors to come into Nigeria,” he said, projecting that the naira could strengthen further if import dependence is reduced.
Concluding his remarks, Dangote reiterated the urgency of reforming the power sector.
“It takes a truly patriotic person to say, I love to produce diesel, but if I have my way, I would rather there is constant power,” he said.
Experts say a stable electricity supply will be crucial to the success of the National Industrial Policy 2025, which seeks to boost local production, reduce imports and position Nigeria as a leading manufacturing hub in Africa.
