Tell us more about African Industries Group. You have a proud history. African Industries Group (AIG) is a diversified global conglomerate with a legacy of 54 years of business excellence and sustainable growth. It is headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. It has been contributing to Nigeria’s socio-economic growth and industrial development and is equally committed to the nurturing and development of the local community.
AIG owes its success to the core philosophy of ‘Building the Future Together’. Its business strategy is inclusive, and sustainable, and not only benefits stakeholders but also positively impacts the environment and society.
It has been predominantly a manufacturing company, with operational excellence benchmarked to global standards. The group has around 31 state-of-the-art manufacturing plants and facilities located in various locations across Nigeria, creating employment opportunities for about 15,000 people. Its investment and expansion in manufacturing with the latest functional technology provide long-term employment to thousands of Nigerians, for people from across the globe. It also creates ancillary employment for many more.
With over five decades of responsible business practices, the Group has evolved into a driving force in various sectors like iron and steel manufacturing, power generation, agricultural products, steel processing, building materials, plywood and allied products, logistics and shipping, lead products, cans manufacturing, refractories products, industrial glass, other construction materials, and more recently, mining and steel processing, renewable energy, and aluminium products.
Tell us more about your business segments and projects?
In Nigeria, AIG is the largest iron and steel manufacturer, has largest non-oil FDI investment in mining and steel processing, is the largest captive solar plant company, is the exclusive distributor of world-renowned engineering tool brands, is a pioneer in flat glass manufacturing, is the biggest refractory manufacturer, is the market leader and most trusted brand for aluminium products, is the largest manufacturer of paving stones, and is the largest manufacturer of high purity refined lead.
Tell us more about your ESG philosophy and activities.
African Industries Group promotes and encourages economic and social development within communities in Nigeria. The act of giving back to the society is embedded in the overall business ethos of the group, corporate Social Responsibility is very close to the hearts of everyone at AIG. The group is committed towards improving the quality of life for every individual within various communities across the country.
Over the last 54 years, African Industries Group has made a name for itself within Nigerian society not only as a pioneer is multiple business sectors, but also as a Group that brings ‘Hope’, improves ‘ Human Dignity’ and creates ‘ Social Impact’. The Group is dedicated to being socially responsible, economically inclusive, and environmentally sustainable, in turn committed to making the world a better place to live.
We celebrate and embrace our diversity and individuality and employ a diverse workforce from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Europe, Lebanon, Philippines and India.
How excited are you about the burgeoning mining sector in Nigeria and what does this mean for your business there?
Nigeria is a country blessed with abundant natural resources. Around 44 different kinds of solid minerals and precious metals are found in commercial quantities across more than 500 locations in Nigeria. All 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory have more than one mineral type. Nigeria’s solid minerals and mining sector has great potential to transform the nation’s economy to greater extent. African Industries Group has been a significant contributor to this growth. We have licenses to mine iron ore, and quartz across Nigeria. We have already set up a fully integrated iron ore mining and steel processing plant in Kaduna state, the first of its kind in Nigeria. We are exploring quartz mining. We also provide exploration drilling services.