Africa’s richest industrialist, Aliko Dangote, has urged Nigeria’s business community to prioritize long-term investments that ignite industrial expansion and job creation over luxury spending. In an interview with Premium Times, Dangote expressed concern over the growing number of private jets owned by wealthy individuals, arguing that the capital tied up in such extravagant assets could instead be channelled into industries capable of transforming the economy.
According to Dangote, the economic imperative is clear. Nigeria’s population continues to rise by approximately 8.7 million newborns annually, a demographic surge that demands accelerated job creation, sufficient power generation, and robust infrastructure. He emphasized that private sector contributions must align with national development priorities to ensure future generations inherit a country equipped to sustain its people.
Dangote noted that companies like his remain committed to paying high taxes and fulfilling their civic responsibilities, acknowledging government’s role as a primary stakeholder in the business environment. However, he stressed that the partnership must be mutually beneficial with the government ensuring policies that support industrial growth, provide ease of doing business, and safeguard investment confidence.
He reiterated that Nigeria’s private sector must embrace its responsibility as corporate citizens, especially in tax compliance, as this revenue plays a crucial role in funding public services, infrastructure, and social development. For Dangote, the path to a prosperous Nigeria lies in productive investments, strategic public-private collaboration, and a shared vision for sustainable economic transformation.
