Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, has chosen not to own houses abroad, particularly in London or the United States, because he believes it would distract him from his primary goal of industrializing Nigeria. He expressed that owning properties abroad would likely lead to frequent visits and thereby divert his attention from his focus on developing Nigeria’s industrial sector.
His commitment to the Nigerian dream is evident in his decision to concentrate his resources and efforts domestically. Apart from his residence in Lagos, he also owns a house in his home state of Kano and rents another one in Abuja. Dangote’s daughter, Fatima, praised his unwavering dedication to his goals, describing him as exceptionally hardworking and expressing a wish for more leaders like him in Nigeria.
Regarding the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, he clarified that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has reduced its stake in the refinery from an initial 20% to 7.2%, with outstanding financial obligations yet to be fulfilled by NNPC.