Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, on Monday said Nigeria would be self sufficient in rice, sugar and other commodities in the next four years.
Dangote said this in Abuja at a meeting with the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon, Nigerian businessmen and some philanthropists.
Dangote, who was speaking against the backdrop of his investment in the economy in the nation, added that Nigeria would soon become the largest exporter of petroleum products and fertiliser.
The business mogul said he would not want to be known as the richest man alone, but would also lend his voice and other capacity to better the lots of Nigerians.
He commended the steps being taken by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in addressing the challenge of corruption facing the nation.
“War on corruption will enable government to have better outcome on any naira or dollar earned or spent,” he said.
He said government was taking measures to diversify the economy by promoting local production of essential commodities.
According to him, this will enhance the growth of the economy in job creation and preservation of scarce foreign exchange.
He said the business community in Nigeria would focus more on developing the non-oil sector to support the government efforts in diversifying the economy and reduce reliance on importation of goods.
“We are committed to improving the economy in a responsible and sustainable way,” he said.
The UN secretary-general earlier urged the businessmen to work towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)in Nigeria.
He said the solution to the challenges facing Nigeria, which was not limited to the nation, should be all inclusive, stressing that no country could solve its problems alone.
“No country or institution can solve its challenge alone; we must harness the power of the private sector and civil society for share of solution to the complex challenges.
“We need to build all inclusive global partnership with the future of accountability and for share of responsibility; we must leverage on our comparative strength, capacities and resources to achieve meaningful result,” he said.
Impressed with the philanthropic activities of the Dangote Foundation to improve human condition in Africa and the rest of the world, Ki Moon also commended Dangote and urged him not to relent because posterity will be kind to him.
He said: “Let me thank Mr. Aliko Dangote, our host for bringing us together. I appreciate the strong support you have given me as a key member of the Steering Committee of my Global Education First Initiative, and your dedication to humanity the Dangote Foundation.
“Nigeria can spark the race to the top and demonstrate to the region, and to the world that a pathway to sustainable development is possible.”
