Africa’s richest man and President of Dangote Industries Limited, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, on Wednesday revealed his decision to take a well-deserved break after the successful completion of his multi-billion-dollar refinery project.
It would be recalled that Dangote’s wealth jumped to over $28bn in the latest Bloomberg’s billionaire Index after the completion of his 650,000-barrel per day refinery, a monumental investment of over $20 billion, that is seen as a game changer in the Africa’s oil and gas industry.
With the capacity to export refined products to countries across Africa and the Middle East, the refinery marks a major milestone in both Dangote’s business journey and the continent’s energy landscape.
Speaking with newsmen at the foundation laying ceremony of the new eco-friendly First Bank of Nigeria 43-storey headquarters at the Eko Atlantic City in Lagos on Wednesday, Dangote revealed the immense challenges he faced throughout the construction of the refinery.
He described the project as “the biggest risk of his life” and admitted to enduring what he called “hellish” moments during its development. However, with the refinery now operational, Dangote emphasized that he is now taking some time to rest after delivering on this ambitious and transformative project.
Dangote spoke during the groundbreaking ceremony of the new 43-storey First Bank Head Office at Eko Atlantic City in Lagos, where he commended his friend and business ally, Mr. Femi Otedola, Chairman of FirstHoldCo.
Otedola, who is spearheading the development of the tower, received praise from Dangote for his bold move to construct such a monumental building as the new headquarters for FirstBank, Nigeria’s oldest financial institution.
“Eko Atlantic is quickly becoming the new heartbeat of Lagos, and with FirstBank joining other major corporate entities here, I’m confident more banks will follow suit,” Dangote said.
He also acknowledged that Otedola had invited him to visit the Eko Atlantic development. However, with a lighthearted tone, he added, “Maybe soon, but not right now. I’m taking a break. After delivering the refinery, I need some rest, but I’ll come to see the progress soon.”
The groundbreaking event was attended by several dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, as well as the Governors of Lagos, Ogun, and Ondo States—Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dapo Abiodun, and Lucky Aiyedatiwa, respectively.
Other prominent figures at the event included Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Femi Hamza; former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki; and former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori.
Among the notable billionaires and CEOs present were Dr. Deji Adeleke, CEO of Pacific Holdings; Senator Daisy Danjuma, CEO of Sapetro; Ambassador Gilbert Chagoury; and Alhaji Mustapha Indimi.
Business moguls, politicians and other dignitaries noted that FBN’s siting of its headquarters at the Eko Atlantic was a testament to the city’s evolution as a center of commerce and development as well as its emergence as the financial district of the bustling state.
