Beyond Business: Dangote, a patriotic Nigerian, by Yusuf Alhaji Lawan
As a management student, nearly two decades ago, I studied a course on the purpose of business. The content presented a discussion in a conversational manner between Ford and General Motors, the producers of first-generation cars in the world. Henry Ford famously argued that a business existing solely for profit is a poor enterprise, while early corporate thinkers, like the founders of General Motors, insisted that the business of business is business. This tension between profit as an end and profit as a means for societal good continues to shape corporate behaviour worldwide.
More than a century later, that debate finds expression in Nigeria in Aliko Dangote. Beyond profits and market leadership, his business philosophy reflects a Fordian conviction, that an enterprise should serve national development, create jobs, build local capacity, reduce imports and retain wealth domestically. In a country challenged by unemployment, industrial deficits and capital flight, his commitment prompts a critical question; can such large-scale private investment itself be considered as an act of patriotism?
Nigeria remains a volatile economy, where a single policy statement can unsettle markets, disrupt investor confidence and send shockwaves through the system. Deep-rooted challenges like widespread insecurity, multidimensional poverty, pervasive corruption, infrastructural decay, persistent policy uncertainty, currency pressure and a weak sense of collective national orientation create difficult investment climates in the country. Yet, in spite of these obstacles, Dangote has consistently chosen to invest in Nigeria, even when more predictable and profitable opportunities exist elsewhere.
During President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, Dangote was conferred with the national honour of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), the second-highest award in the country, traditionally reserved for Vice Presidents. When this decision attracted public arguments, the president defended it, citing Dangote’s exceptional contribution to employment generation as a form of national service. Through his enterprises, Dangote has created vast direct and indirect employment opportunities, stabilising households, communities and the wider economy. Today, he stands as one of Nigeria’s largest employers of labour outside the government.
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His drive for industrialisation and the development of local value chains across multiple sectors has significantly reduced Nigeria’s dependence on imports, improved foreign exchange stability and strengthened domestic supply networks. This strategic commitment is more strongly identified with him than any other businessman in the country. His investments in cement, fertiliser, sugar and other essential commodities have become defining pillars of Nigeria’s economic resilience.
Nigeria, despite being a long-standing member of OPEC and possessing major refineries in Kaduna, Port Harcourt and Warri, has long relied almost entirely on imported petroleum products. These refineries remained largely inactive for decades, even as enormous public funds were spent on so-called turnaround maintenance without producing a single litre of refined fuel. Attempts to revive them failed repeatedly. In the closing phase of President Olusegun Obasanjo’s second term, an effort was made to transfer ownership of the refineries to private operators, with the hope of instilling market-driven management to restore them to productivity.
President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua later reversed the privatisation and proposed a comprehensive reform agenda for the petroleum industry. Unfortunately, his ill health and eventual death prevented Nigerians from benefiting fully from his plans. In the years that followed, fuel importation remained the norm, accompanied by recurring shortages, panic buying, customer exploitation and circulation of substandard products. Policy focus shifted toward removing fuel subsidies, often without structural reforms or safeguards to protect ordinary citizens.
While in this situation, Dangote invested an estimated $20 billion to build a refinery for Nigeria, a project that promised many new jobs, reduced fuel import dependence, lowered demand for foreign exchange to ensure a stronger Naira and enhanced broader economic stimulation if fully harnessed. Instead of celebration, he faced stiff resistance from entrenched interests benefiting from the status quo. Campaigns of calumny, libel, slander and regulatory bottlenecks sought to undermine his efforts. Undeterred, Dangote navigated harassment, sabotage and multifaceted pressures with unwavering focus and commitment to his vision.
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There is no country in the world that would turn down such an investment; many would offer significant incentives. Moreover, if Dangote had chosen sectors like information technology, social networking or sports, the patronage, turnover and return on investment can be higher than those expected from a refinery. Yet, he deliberately opted for this path in Nigeria, aiming to end decades of fuel scarcity despite repeated warnings by his business partners and friends that Nigeria’s business environment is hostile to investors. His choice reflects a commitment to national development over mere profitability.
One of the most inspiring aspects of Dangote’s work is his philanthropic mindset. His interventions span health, education, security, and humanitarian needs across locations often implemented quietly without excessive publicity. Nigerians have witnessed several of these, especially his support to the Nigeria Police through the provision of patrol vehicles all over the country and his recent launch of a ₦1 trillion scholarship fund for students across all the 774 local governments, among others. This demonstrates his commitment to human capital development. Such actions set a high standard and challenge others to emulate this level of generosity and national-mindedness.
His life and work show that private wealth can create public impact. Dangote’s large-scale indigenous enterprises generate wide-ranging social and economic benefits, transforming communities, strengthening the economy and serving the nation at large.
Yet, part of the sustained blackmail against him seeks to portray Dangote as a mere capitalist or monopolist, suggesting he should be denied space to operate. Public perception requires a balanced appraisal. Nigerians must reassess how they view local industrialists beyond mere wealth accumulation. If Dangote’s presence in oil and gas intimidates some, one must ask, what prevents others from investing in the sector? Why has the government failed to revive idle refineries or open them to private investors to foster competition and break monopolistic patterns?
The Dangote Group of Companies is laying a lasting legacy, offering long-term contributions to nation-building and displaying how private enterprise can be a true partner in Nigeria’s development journey. Aliko Dangote deserves applause, support, motivation and encouragement to continue expanding his impact. He stands as a role model, a benchmark for business leaders and the next generation of Nigerians striving for a prosperous and self-reliant nation.
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After his recent meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Aliko Dangote, in a clear display of patriotism, called for disciplined government spending, stressing that funds wasted on non-essential luxuries should be redirected to productive sectors like infrastructure and industry. He emphasised the urgency of addressing insecurity and structural weaknesses that hinder investment, while urging Nigerians to prioritise local production and invest at home as a pathway to job creation and reduced poverty. Dangote also highlighted the importance of stable, predictable economic policies, citing initiatives such as the Naira-for-Crude policy and the need for an improved business environment to restore investor confidence and drive sustainable national growth.
Aliko Dangote’s life and work show that business can be a force for nation-building, not just profit. Through industrialisation, job creation, local value addition and transformative philanthropy, he has proven that private wealth can serve the public interest on a scale few can match. In a country often defined by challenges, Dangote stands out as a patriotic entrepreneur and a visionary, shaping the nation’s future and setting a standard for generations to come, proving that true leadership thrives where courage, vision, and social responsibility intersect.
Yusuf Alhaji Lawan, a Doctorate Researcher in Entrepreneurship writes from Hausawa Asibiti Ward, Potiskum, Yobe State. He can be reached via nasidi30@gmail.com.
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