Dangote: I had my first private jet at 22

Aliko Dangote, the head of Dangote Industries Limited, shared with the Nigerian Exchange on Monday that he purchased his first private jet at the age of 22 and a half. This statement came during the formal launch of the IPO for Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals. Reflecting on his business career, Dangote expressed satisfaction with his experiences but now favors seeing wealth directed towards productive endeavors.

He admitted to having enjoyed his time as a businessman and noted that he no longer held a preference for specific types of commercial ventures. "My career as a businessman, I really had a great time. I was telling somebody that right now I don’t mind, I can take commercial, I can take anything. I had my first private jet at 22 and a half years old," he stated.

Dangote then called on wealthy Nigerians who own luxurious private aircraft to think about investing their resources into productive sectors of the economy. He emphasized that Nigeria's path to greatness necessitates investments that enhance production and economic activity. "I try as much as I can to encourage people who are riding $900 million aircraft to please go and put that into production. We are not going to be a great nation without doing something productive," Dangote urged.