Olarenwaju disclosed that Jonathan betrayed a gentleman’s agreement with Atiku, hence the former Vice President moved against him in 2015.
Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group, has urged Nigeria’s elite to channel the money spent on luxury items like Rolls-Royce cars and private jets into building industries that boost economic growth and generate jobs.
Speaking with The PUNCH after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at Aso Rock Villa on Saturday, Dangote lamented the culture of extravagant consumption, stressing that the nation’s development depends heavily on the responsibility of local investors.
“If you look at the Nigerian policy before, during the military, everybody from the president downwards used Peugeot 504. That was the highest. So, when a president is using 504, you cannot come as a commoner, as a businessman, or whoever you are, to be using Rolls-Royce,” he said.
Dangote criticised the proliferation of private jets at Nigerian airports, arguing that such wealth would be better invested in productive ventures.
“If you have money for a Rolls-Royce, you should go and put up an industry in your locality or anywhere in Nigeria where there is a need.
“It pains me when I go to the local airport, whether here or in Lagos, and even finding a parking space for your plane is impossible because everybody has a private jet. Those private jets could be in industries creating jobs,” he added.
Dangote emphasised that national development requires a strong focus on manufacturing and agriculture, supported by robust banking systems.
He also highlighted the urgent need for job creation, noting Nigeria’s population grows by 8.7 million babies every year, which demands significant investments in infrastructure and power.
“Some people may not know the position of the country as we speak. Population growth is 8.7 million babies every year. So we need to deliver power, infrastructure, and other essentials,” he said.
The billionaire also framed tax compliance as both a civic duty and a partnership with the government.
“When you have a company, the number one shareholder is the government. We need an enabling environment from the government, and as corporate citizens, we must pay our taxes. I cannot cheat my partner. If I pay tax, children can go to school and hospitals can function. The government has huge demands, and we must do our part,” he added.
The businessman dismissed what he described as over-reliance on foreign investors, insisting that no external investor would commit to Nigeria without strong domestic participation.
He said, “We should stop calling for foreign investors. No foreign investor will come here unless domestic investors are active. Good policies, governance, and rule of law attract local investors, and foreign investors follow to partner or establish their own operations.
Dangote reiterated that industrialisation must be led by Nigerians, saying “We must industrialise our country. Nobody will do it but us. Once we industrialise, foreigners will partner with us or invest in Nigeria. We must remove both real and perceived risks to investment.”

1SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER NOW
Support MATAZ ARISING’ journalism of integrity and credibility.
Good journalism ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.
We ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.
TEXT AD: To advertise here – Email ad@matazarising.com
LATEST POSTS
-
NYSC: Deployment to states’ll be guided by risk assessment — TINUBU

MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas By Johnbosco Agbakwuru ABUJA— PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has said as part of the reform of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, corps members would now be deployed to security-challenged states, guided by risk assessment. He also reiterated that the scheme would be led by a civilian director-general and not military personnel as it…
-
Presidency exposes alleged fake Presidential Council

MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas …Says police charged Self-styled DG with forgery The Presidency on Wednesday dismissed renewed claims by Adeyemi Adeniyi Matthew that he was appointed to head a presidential agency, insisting he is an impostor who allegedly forged official documents to present himself as Director-General of a non-existent Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, also described as the…
-
Just in: Atiku appoints Kenneth Okonkwo as spokesperson

MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 election, Atiku Abubakar, has appointed actor-turned-politician and ADC chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo as his spokesperson. Okonkwo announced the appointment in a statement posted on his official X handle on Thursday, expressing appreciation to Atiku for the confidence reposed in him.…






