By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

Kaduna – The Dangote Group has reaffirmed its commitment to digitalization as a key driver of its expansion, ensuring that its plants and factories operate with minimal human interference through advanced automation and centralized control systems.

Speaking at the Dangote Special Day event during the 46th Kaduna International Trade Fair, Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, a representative of the Dangote Group, emphasized the role of digital transformation in optimizing operations across various sectors.

“Our plants and factories are fully digitalized, utilizing Central Control Rooms (CCRs) to minimize human intervention in production processes. These CCRs serve as nerve centers where data from various systems converge, enabling real-time decision-making to enhance safety, efficiency, and productivity,” she said.

According to Wali-Abdurrahman, Dangote’s facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art displays, dashboards, and user interfaces that allow operators to monitor live data from sensors, machines, and software systems. This enables comprehensive tracking of production processes, energy consumption, traffic flow, network security, and infrastructure performance.

She highlighted that Dangote’s adoption of advanced digital technologies across its operations—including cement, sugar, salt, fertilizers, petrochemicals, and agriculture—has positioned the company as a leader in multiple industries.

“We have digitized our manufacturing and sales processes by implementing automated and smart systems, particularly in our cement plants. At Dangote, we are committed to transforming our manufacturing operations through global best practices, ensuring maximum efficiency from production to sales,” she stated.

Wali-Abdurrahman also introduced the company’s Distributor Management System (DMS), an innovative digital platform that streamlines product ordering.

“Previously, our customers had to wait up to three days to secure their orders. With the launch of our advanced DMS, the process now takes just five minutes, offering a seamless and efficient purchasing experience,” she said.

The DMS application, available on both Android and iOS, provides registered customers in the cement, sugar, and salt sectors with easy access to Dangote products anytime, anywhere.

Highlighting the company’s contributions to Nigeria’s industrialization, she noted that Kaduna hosts the Dangote Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (DPAN) plant, which boasts a production capacity of 120 vehicles per day and 44,000 units annually.

“By assembling globally renowned Peugeot models—including the Landtrek pickup, 3008, 5008, and 508 GT—DPAN reduces import dependency and provides competitively priced, locally assembled vehicles,” she said.

She further explained that DPAN leverages digital supply chain management for real-time tracking of components and vehicle deliveries, ensuring seamless trade operations nationwide.

Recognizing agriculture as the backbone of Kaduna’s economy, Wali-Abdurrahman emphasized the importance of efficient transport solutions for boosting productivity.

“The locally assembled Peugeot Landtrek pickup truck is designed to support farmers, agribusinesses, and traders in efficiently transporting goods across rural and urban areas. By producing these vehicles in Kaduna, DPAN strengthens the agricultural value chain, providing reliable, cost-effective transportation solutions,” she said.

She also highlighted Dangote Group’s extensive investments in agriculture, particularly in fertilizer production and rice processing.

“The Dangote Fertilizer Plant, the largest in Africa, has introduced digital soil-testing solutions and precision farming techniques to help farmers improve yield and efficiency,” she added.

Inviting attendees to visit Dangote’s pavilion at the trade fair, Wali-Abdurrahman underscored the company’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

“We encourage you to explore our range of products, including Dangote Sugar, Dangote Cement, Dangote Salt, Dangote Fertilizer, and Dangote SinoTruck. Our goal is to continue enhancing customer experiences and expanding our reach,” she stated.

She praised the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (KADCCIMA) for organizing a successful trade fair, emphasizing its importance in fostering business connections.

“The theme of this year’s Trade Fair—‘Promoting Efficiency in Manufacturing, Trade, and Agriculture through Digital Transformation’—aligns with our Group President Aliko Dangote’s vision: ‘The future of Africa lies in our ability to innovate, manufacture locally, and create wealth through industrialization,’” she said.

Concluding her remarks, she thanked participants and exhibitors, expressing optimism for the future of Nigerian industry.

“Thank you all. Long live KADCCIMA, long live Kaduna State, and long live Nigeria!” she concluded.