‘I had my first private jet at 22, now I can fly commercial’ – Dangote

Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote has called on affluent Nigerians to invest in productive businesses instead of spending millions on private jets. Reflecting on his own journey, Dangote revealed that he purchased his first private jet at the age of 22 and a half, yet he now finds comfort in traveling on commercial flights. He emphasized that his focus is not on wealth itself, but on how wealthy individuals choose to utilize their resources, especially during a time when Nigeria needs more productive investments.

The billionaire encourages those who can afford aircraft worth $90 million or $100 million to consider investing that money in businesses that create jobs, stimulate economic activity, and contribute to national development. Dangote recounted a personal experience in Abuja where he spent 30 minutes searching for a parking spot, only to realize that the area was filled with private jets.

This prompted him to wish that the space had been occupied by factories instead, as it would have generated employment opportunities. His remarks underscore his belief that personal wealth should translate into productive investments, particularly in industries that foster employment and bolster the economy.