We are genuine and authentic - Dangote

…Repatriates $687.9m from pan-African operations to Nigeria

By Abiodun OBA

The management of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) on Sunday has emphasized its genuineness and authenticity about its investments.

The company while reiterating in a statement released to the media, accused BUA Group of sponsoring fake and misleading news about its foreign exchange transactions, approved by the CBN, which were meant for its pan-African operations.

It called on all relevant agencies to investigate our FX transactions in the past ten years and make public any infraction noticed or discovered”.

DIL also revealed that it has so far repatriated over USD576,008,672.41 earned from its pan-African operations to Nigeria.

This the company said was in addition to a USD$111,968,109.38 cash swap arrangement between it and Ethiopian Airlines; thus, saving same amount that would have been paid by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Dangote also re-affirmed its determination and belief in Nigeria, in the statement, noting that the present Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown the will and resolve to get the economy moving again.

“We are not body-shop investors. We believe in Nigeria, and we believe in Africa. We are genuine and authentic about our investments, and we call on all relevant agencies to investigate our FX transactions in the past ten years and make public any infraction noticed or discovered.”

Insisting that all forex purchased in respect of its African Project Expansion were genuine and fully utilised for what they were meant for, Dangote revealed that the projects for which the forex was utilised are visible for everyone to see.

“It is on record that some of these projects were commissioned by Nigerian top-ranking government officials and in attendance were Chief Executives of various banks, Captains of Industries, and the Presidents of the host countries supported by their Senior Government Officials.

“The commissioning events of these projects were well documented and covered by both local and international media. There are also print and electronic copies of the commissioning ceremonies as further testimony to the judicious utilisation of the funds.”

Dangote further explained that its massive investments in Pan Africa will lead to the repatriation of forex in the very near future and boost foreign exchange earnings in Nigeria, as well as stabilise the forex Market.