Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest individual, has revealed that his commitment to industrializing Nigeria is the reason he doesn’t own properties abroad.
In a recent interview at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lagos, he explained that having houses in London or the US would divert his attention from his goal of making Nigeria a hub of industrialization.
Dangote’s focus on domestic investment and development is unwavering, and he believes that maintaining a presence abroad would hinder his ability to achieve his vision for Nigeria’s industrial growth.
He said, “The reason I don’t have a London or American house is solely because I wanted to focus on industrialisation in Nigeria.
“I figured that if I had those houses, there would be one reason or the other for me to visit those places, thereby causing distraction for me.
“I am very passionate about the Nigerian dream, and apart from my Lagos house, I have another one in my home state, Kano, and a rented one in Abuja.”
In her remarks, the Group Executive Director, Commercial Operations, Fatima Dangote, praised her father’s diligence and perseverance in achieving the Nigerian dream.
Fatima stated, “I have not seen anyone as hardworking as my father. Sometimes I wonder how he never gives up.
“I wish we had a few more men like my father in Nigeria. The country will be a better place.”
Earlier, the group CEO disclosed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation now owns only a 7.2 per cent stake in the refinery.
He said the figure reduced from the initial 20 per cent, saying, “NNPC no longer owns a 20% stake in the Dangote refinery. They were met to pay their balance in June but have yet to fulfil the obligations. Now, they only own a 7.2% stake in the refinery.”
