‘No Power, No Growth’ – Aliko Dangote Urges FG to Convene National Retreat on Electricity Crisis

February 18, 2026
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President and Chairman of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, on Tuesday urged the Federal Government to urgently convene a national retreat to resolve Nigeria’s persistent electricity crisis, warning that unreliable power supply threatens the country’s industrialisation drive and economic growth.

Dangote made the call at the official national launch of the National Industrial Policy 2025, themed “From Policy to Productivity: Implementing Nigeria’s Industrial Future,” held in Abuja. The event was attended by senior government officials, industry leaders and development partners, with President Bola Tinubu represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

In his goodwill message, Dangote stressed that stable electricity remains the foundation for economic expansion and job creation.

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“One of the things that I want to advise Your Excellency, Mr Vice President, is to call a national forum where we will have a one- or two-day retreat and resolve the issues of power. Because without power, Mr Vice President, there is no way in any country you can create growth or create jobs. So, power means growth. No power, no growth. So we must make sure that we tackle this issue,” he said.

His remarks drew applause from participants, including the Vice President.

Dangote acknowledged that government policies aimed at supporting industrialisation were commendable, noting that the state’s role is to facilitate job creation rather than directly create jobs. He described Nigeria as a vast market capable of serving not only domestic demand but also other African countries.

However, he cautioned that policy incentives alone would not deliver results without strong infrastructure and protection for local industries.

“But one thing that we need is not only the policy. The policy is there. If you look at the incentives that we have for people to invest in Nigeria, actually, they are even more than what we need. The only thing that is remaining is the protection of industries,” he said.

READ ALSO : Why Tinubu’s Policies Can Crash Dollar Rate – Dangote

Dangote Signs $400m Equipment Deal to Fast-Track Refinery Expansion

Dangote warned that excessive importation continues to undermine domestic manufacturing. “Even if you give us zero-interest loans, free land and power, if there is no protection, there is no way any industry will thrive here. Importation of anything is importation of poverty and exportation of jobs,” he added.

The billionaire industrialist lamented that many manufacturers spend more on self-generated power than on actual production due to erratic electricity supply.

“Some factories spend more money generating electricity than producing goods. You have to set up your own power plant and also a standby. That does not make sense. There is nowhere you can get prosperity that way,” he said, noting that reliance on diesel generators is unsustainable for long-term industrial growth.

The National Industrial Policy 2025 was unveiled against the backdrop of a struggling manufacturing sector constrained by poor electricity supply, high production costs, limited access to finance, infrastructure deficits and heavy reliance on imports.

Dangote’s comments also come amid renewed concerns over electricity reliability following a recent five-day disruption linked to gas maintenance activities, which triggered widespread blackouts across several parts of the country and heightened anxiety among manufacturers and businesses.

Stakeholders at the event agreed that addressing Nigeria’s power deficit remains critical to translating policy into productivity and achieving sustainable economic transformation.

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Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

Amanze Chinonye

Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

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