Dangote bets on supply chain, digital expansion to drive growth

Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has announced a strategic push to strengthen the conglomerate’s supply chain and expand its digital capabilities, linking the investments to customer-driven growth.

Dangote stated this during the Nascon 2025 customers’ dinner and awards night in Abuja, where the conglomerate recognised 50 of its top distributors for their loyalty and performance. “Strong customers’ partnerships are the foundation of sustainable growth in our group,” he said, adding that the company’s recent expansions in manufacturing, brand portfolio, and distribution systems have been guided by customer needs and market realities.

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“Over the past several years, our group has evolved significantly. We have expanded our manufacturing capacity, strengthened our brand portfolio, and modernised our go-to-market systems. Each of these milestones was influenced by customer needs and market realities,” he said.

He highlighted the role of distributors and trade partners in supporting product launches and market expansion, particularly during challenging macroeconomic conditions.

“Recognising customers is not just good relationship management — it is good business. It sends a clear message to our people that customer service is truly one of our core values,” Dangote said, stressing that operational efficiency, digital investments, and customer engagement are central to sustaining growth across Africa’s consumer goods sector.

On the group’s forward strategy, he outlined priorities that tie investments directly to customer feedback and market realities. “Looking ahead, we will continue to invest in brand equity, supply chain efficiency, sustainability, and digital capabilities. But these investments only create value when they are aligned with customer realities. Your continued engagement and feedback remain very, very critical to us,” he said.

The awards recognised distributors whose growth has mirrored that of Nascon Allied Industries Plc, a subsidiary of Dangote Industries Limited and maker of Dangote Salt and seasonings.

The awards, comprising trucks and cash, went to Ali Balarabe, Ibrahim Achida, Muabsa Integrated Services, Fanisau Enterprises, Idris Saleh Nigeria Limited, Sani Adamu Trader, and GIA Global Concept.

Olakunle Alake, Chairman, Nascon Allied Industries and Vice President, Dangote Group, reinforced the strategic focus on customer partnerships. “Long-term growth is built on collaboration and not on transactions,” Alake said, describing customer service as “not just a core value, it is a strategic asset” in an environment of fragile loyalty and intense competition. He added that while the company is accountable to shareholders and regulators, its performance ultimately rests on customers who stock and promote its brands across markets.

The company’s newly appointed executives also highlighted the role of customer engagement in driving results. Fatima Aliko Dangote, group executive director of Dangote refinery and petrochemicals, thanked distributors for years of loyalty, saying it has been a cornerstone of the group’s expansion.

Mariya Aliko Dangote, Group Executive Director, Commercial, Cement and Foods, said her early days overseeing the foods business reinforced that “our success is built with you and with your unwavering support.”

The awards night came on the back of strong financial results for Nascon Allied Industries. The company reported a half-year profit of N15.6 billion for the period ended June 30, 2025, up 222% from N4.8 billion in the same period of 2024.

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Revenue rose 55% to N78.2 billion, while operating profit surged 196% to N21.3 billion. Profit before tax more than tripled to N23.3 billion, underscoring the impact of strengthened distribution networks, market execution, and customer partnerships on financial performance.

Distributors were rewarded with trucks and cash gifts worth billions of naira, for their contributions to the company’s expansion. Many recipients have supported Nascon’s growth across multiple markets and product lines, ensuring consistent supply of Dangote Salt and seasonings.

According to Aderemi Saka, Managing Director of Nascon Allied Industries, the awards were designed to recognise partners whose growth has mirrored the company’s success, noting that the firm’s market performance is closely tied to the strength and loyalty of its distributor network.

Ali Balarabe, who received a 20-tonne truck and cash credit, commended the board and management for their consistent engagement with distributors and pledged to sustain his support for the brand.

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