Stressing on the need for Nigeria to encourage non-oil export, Dangote said that Nigeria’s non-oil export is quite low compared to other African top oil producers. “This exposes the economy to oil price and production risks. Export opportunities abound in Nigeria but there are two main routes import substitution and export-oriented industries. Import substitution is ideal for economies like Nigeria which has a large domestic market and a huge import bill”, he added.
Dangote said that investors can build industries, which initially target the domestic market, then subsequently target export markets as they build scale and competitiveness.
He then urged the Federal Government to build on the country’s competitive advantage to develop industries that are primarily geared toward export. “Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) in Bonny is a good example of an export-oriented investment (though would be good to get a model where such revenues are sold in I&E window”, adding that some countries have gone a step further to create special economic zones to achieve this objective.
In his goodwill message, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele described the theme of the seminar “Unlocking Opportunities in Nigeria’s Non-Oil Export Business” as timely and appropriate.
The CBN Chief reasoned that the theme was apt because “the global economy and structure are changing rapidly before our eyes. The previous world economic order underpinned by globalization and seamless trade possibilities seems to be suffering major disruptions lately. We believe Nigeria has a lot of potentials, and we can harness this for the good of our people and country.”