News
Dangote splashes ₦15bn in gifts, cash to appreciate cement distributors at awards nite
…Announces expansion of Cement Production capacity to 90 Million Tonnes
Dangote Cement Plc has celebrated its top distributors and customers with ₦15 billion worth of rewards for their continued loyalty, resilience, and outstanding performance.
KANO FOCUS reports that the 2026 Distributors’ Awards Night, held at Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, celebrated the company’s highest-performing partners under the theme “Partner for Growth.” Recipients received an impressive array of gifts, including cash prizes, containers of cement, high-end SUVs, and CNG-powered trucks, all valued at ₦15 billion
President/CE of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, speaking at the 2026 Distributors’ Awards Night, hailed the distributors as the heartbeat of the organisation and praised their dedication in ensuring the Dangote products reach communities nationwide.
“Your tireless work in the field, your alluring commitment to our products and your direct engagement with our customers are what turn our vision and strategies into tangible results. Today’s celebration, themed ‘Partner for Growth,’ is a testament that our growth journey for 2026 has already begun,” He expressed.
Dangote used the occasion to reiterate the company’s Vision 2030 strategy, aimed at transforming Dangote Group into a $100 billion enterprise by 2030. The plan, he explained, focuses on industrial expansion, cross-border investments, and building Africa’s self-sufficiency in sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure.
The African industrial titan disclosed that the Dangote Cement Group is targeting a cement production capacity expansion to approximately 90 million tonnes by 2030. He emphasised that the company’s ambition goes far beyond building factories. He explained that the focus is on building Africa’s capacity to feed itself, power its economy, develop its people, and drive sustainable industrialisation.
“Under this vision, we have announced the expansion of our petroleum refinery from 650,000 bpd to 1.4 million bpd, the fertiliser plant to 12 million metric tonnes per annum, and an increase in production at the polypropylene plant. Our cement company is also targeting a production capacity of approximately 90 million tonnes by 2030. And 90 million tons by 2030 means that we are 50 per cent more than the entire production of Saudi Arabia,” he said.
“Vision 2030, an integral aspect of our Africa First project, was borne out of my firm belief that Africa’s future will be built by Africans who refuse to accept limits – people who dream big, work hard, and never stop believing in what is possible.”
“Our ambition goes beyond building factories. It is about building Africa’s capacity to feed itself, power its economy, develop its people, and drive sustainable industrialisation. We are empowering the next generation through the launch of a one trillion-naira ($600 million) education fund in December 2025”.
As part of this vision, the Aliko Dangote Foundation launched a ₦1 trillion ($600 million) education fund in December 2025, pledging support for over 1.3 million vulnerable Nigerian students, with emphasis on scholarships, STEM, TVET, and girls’ education.
Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dangote Cement Plc, Emmanuel Ikazoboh, in his first official attendance as Board Chairman, highlighted the critical role of distributor partnerships in ensuring the company’s products reach every corner of the country.
Speaking to the assembled distributors, Ikazoboh announced that, “Tonight, we are giving out about ₦9 billion in cash to our distributors. For some of you, it will be a double celebration, as you may receive two alerts in recognition of both your volume and growth results.”
He added that the rewards go beyond cash. “In addition to the cash prizes, we have prepared other exciting gifts, including CNG-powered trucks, high-end cars, and more, to show our appreciation for your commitment and outstanding performance,” he said.
He further outlined the company’s plans to start the year strong by supporting its distributor partners. He stressed the importance of supply chain efficiency and profitability as key pillars for growth, saying:
Ikazoboh also noted that the company has invested in new CNG-powered trucks, as the company’s target at the end of 2027 is to have all its trucks CNG-powered, supporting both logistics efficiency and empowering customers.
“We have made significant investments in new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks. This initiative not only empowers our customers but also emphasises our dedication to corporate responsibility and global sustainability guidelines. These rewards reflect our promise to support customers and champion sustainable business practices.”
He revealed plans for a greenfield two-line, 6 million metric tonnes per annum cement plant in Itori, Ogun State, dedicated to exports, alongside expansions at the grinding plant in Côte d’Ivoire, signalling Dangote Cement’s commitment to pan-African growth.
He strengthened his commendation for the distributors, recognising their dedication and commitment and emphasising their central role in the company’s overall success.
“Your perseverance, trust, and loyalty help us maintain visibility and availability for our products nationwide. We are genuinely interested in seeing your businesses grow bigger, stronger, and more profitable.”
News
Cameroon telecom regulator visits NCC for benchmarking exercise
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Board (ART) of the Republic of Cameroon, Philemon Zoo Zame, on Wednesday visited the headquarters of the [Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Abuja for a benchmarking exercise aimed at strengthening regulatory collaboration and knowledge sharing between both countries.
KANO FOCUS reports that during the visit, the Cameroonian telecom regulator met with the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Aminu Maida.
A statement issued by Ayiabari A. Kigbara, Manager, Media Relations, Public Affairs Department of the NCC, said the engagement focused on exchanging ideas and best practices in telecommunications regulation, with emphasis on enhancing efficiency and development within the sector.
Headlines
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Headlines
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
