Dangote emphasized that owning properties in London or the
United States could potentially divert his attention from his primary objective
of transforming Nigeria into a prominent hub of industrialization.
The billionaire made this statement during a press conference held at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, situated in the Ibeju-Lekki region of Lagos State.
He said, “The reason I don’t have a London or American house
is solely because I wanted to focus on industrialisation in Nigeria.
“I figured that if I had those houses, there would be one
reason or the other for me to visit those places, thereby causing distraction
for me.
“I am very passionate about the Nigerian dream, and apart
from my Lagos house, I have another one in my home state, Kano, and a rented
one in Abuja.”
In her remarks, the Group Executive Director of Commercial
Operations, Fatima Dangote, commended her father’s dedication and persistence
in accomplishing the Nigerian aspiration.
Fatima stated, “I have not seen anyone as hardworking as my
father. Sometimes I wonder how he never gives up.
“I wish we had a few more men like my father in Nigeria. The
country will be a better place.”
The Group CEO previously disclosed that the Nigerian
National Petroleum Corporation’s ownership stake in the refinery has been
reduced to 7.2 percent.
He clarified that the figure has decreased from the initial
20 percent, stating that NNPC no longer holds a 20% stake in the Dangote
refinery. They were expected to settle their remaining balance in June, but
have yet to fulfill their obligations. Consequently, their current stake in the
refinery stands at 7.2%.