The Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAE) has credited President/Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, with driving large-scale industrial development in Nigeria and across Africa through strategic investments in key sectors.

This was disclosed on Friday in Lagos during Dangote’s induction as the sixth Honorary Fellow of the academy.

President of the NAE, Rahamon Bello, described the honour as reserved for individuals whose contributions have significantly shaped the country’s industrial and economic landscape.

He noted that the academy maintains a highly selective membership, with fellows elected based on distinguished achievements in engineering practice, research, and contributions across academia, public service, and private enterprise.

Bello said Dangote’s investments span critical industries including cement manufacturing, sugar refining, salt processing, vehicle assembly, and petroleum refining, highlighting the construction of what he described as Africa’s largest oil refinery with a processing capacity of 650,000 barrels per day.

According to him, these investments reflect the core principles of engineering, particularly the application of science and technology to solve real-world problems and drive sustainable development.

He added that Dangote’s industrial ventures have helped reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imports, strengthened local production capacity, and created thousands of jobs.

“This demonstrates how engineering-driven enterprises can serve as catalysts for economic sovereignty and sustainable development. By fostering industries that rely on engineering talent, his efforts have also created opportunities for Nigerian engineers to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development,” Bello said.

He further described the Dangote Refinery as not only a major capital project but also a symbol of engineering excellence and innovation, showcasing Africa’s capacity to deliver world-class infrastructure.

Bello expressed optimism that Dangote’s engagement with the academy would further advance engineering solutions for national development.

In his remarks, Dangote said he was honoured by the recognition from the academy, describing it as a leading institution committed to advancing science, engineering, and technology as drivers of economic growth and global competitiveness.

He noted that engineering excellence and technological innovation remain the foundation of the group’s operations across its business units.

“To underscore the importance of engineering, it enabled us to build a refinery with about 50 per cent more capacity than most others globally,” he said.

Dangote added that the company is not merely participating in industrialisation but actively shaping it through the construction, operation, and maintenance of large-scale industrial projects across Nigeria and the African continent.

Founded in 1997, the Nigerian Academy of Engineering serves as the apex body for the engineering profession in Nigeria. It functions as a think tank of leading local and international experts, providing policy advice to the Federal Government and private sector on engineering, technology, and innovation-driven development.