Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, March 22, commissioned a three million metric tonnes Dangote Fertilizer Plant in Lagos. ayokinews.com reports
The inauguration ceremony of the fertilizer plant took place at the Lagos Free Trade Zone in Lekki on Tuesday.
The project, according to the president, is in accordance with the government’s efforts to ensure food security and sufficiency in the country.
“This is a demonstration of enhancing the socio-development of the country,” he said, while also commending the Dangote Fertilizer team.
Buhari reassured Nigerians that his government is committed to fostering a business-friendly environment.
“We are partnering with the private sector through tax credit scheme on road constructions in the country and rehabilitating railway lines for ease movement of goods,” he added.
Also speaking at the event was Aliko Dangote, the Dangote Group’s president and chief executive officer (CEO), who expressed his joy at the plant’s completion.
The factory, according to Dangote, is Africa’s largest and the world’s second-largest urea plant.
He added that plant-based goods produced in the plant have made their way to the African market, as well as Brazil, India, and Mexico.
“It is an ambitious project that will reduce unemployment in Nigeria,” he said.
“Low fertiliser usages have been the reason for low yield of agriculture products in the sector.”
“Our goal is to make fertilizer available in quantity for our farmers. We are rolling out initiatives that will transform the agric sector for all.”
“This will boost productivity and enhance output across the nation.”
He thanked the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other government institutions for their assistance in making the fertilizer plant a reality.
The first phase of the Dangote Fertilizer plant is expected to generate three million metric tons of urea per year.
The completion cost of the project was estimated by Dangote Industries Limited at $2.5 billion.
According to the corporation, the plant’s capacity will be increased to create many grades of fertilizers to fulfill the African continent’s soil, crop, and climate-specific needs.
