Nigerians have commended the African billionaire businessman and chairman of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, for his investments and belief in the country.
The commendations are coming on the heels of allegations of monopoly by the Nigerian government against Dangote following his plans to invest in the steel sector.
However, Aliko Dangote, while speaking with journalists at his refinery in Lagos on Saturday, said the board of the company (Dangote Group) was no longer interested in investing in the steel development sector.
According to him, his company adds value by turning raw materials into products and never “consciously or unconsciously stopped anybody from doing the same business that we are doing.”
While describing the monopolistic labelling of his company as disheartening, he said, “When we first came into cement production, it was only Lafarge that was operating here in Nigeria… Nobody ever called Lafarge a monopoly.
“Let other Nigerians go and do it. We are not the only Nigerians here. There are some Nigerians with more cash than us,” Dangote said.
But reacting to the accusations against Dangote, an X user, identified as Dr Dipo Awojide, said the billionaire businessman should be commended for his investments in the country.
“A man who invested $20 billion in his country should be commended. Others take their money to Dubai and UK and invest in properties. Dangote creates jobs and pays taxes. He should continue to enjoy the support of the government just like other players in other key sectors,” he said.
Another Nigerian, identified as Nefertiti, opined that Dangote has paid dues and undeserving of the accusations from the government.
She said, “No one demarkets Nigeria more than the Bola Tinubu Regime. Monopoly or not, Dangote has paid his dues. I may have my reservations, but Aliko believe in Nigeria, more than all the politicians combined. Foreign investors have seen this, & they will stay away from Nigeria 💔.”
For another Nigerian X user who identified as Man of Letters, Dangote is the second biggest hope of FX after crude oil exports, saying he “is now frustrated to the point that he doesn’t want to invest any more in Nigeria. Nothing survives here.”
Another Nigerian, who tweeted @maryam_jidayi, believed Dangote’s recent experience and accusation is one of the reasons many Nigerians choose to invest in other countries.
“What’s happening to Dangote right now is exactly why many Nigerians invest their money in another country. Imagine trying to de-market someone who invested over $20 billion to build a refinery in his country! This is diabolical!
“Now that he is no longer interested in venturing into the steel industry, you people should make sure you venture into that! 🤡,” she said.
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