‘It’s easier to put me in prison than take my phone away’ – Aliko Dangote

Renowned African businessman Aliko Dangote has expressed his strong attachment to his mobile phone, joking that he would rather spend a week in prison than have it taken away for the same duration. The comment was made at an event in Lagos, Nigeria, where Dangote unveiled his "Vision 2030" for Africa's industrial transformation.

When asked to choose between forgoing his phone and his private jet for a week, the industrialist stated that losing his phone would be the more challenging option. "Ah… I think it’s easier you put me in prison than to take my phone away. So, you know, I mean taking my phone away is no-go area, okay?" he said. This remark highlighted the device's significance in Dangote's daily life, as he maintains over 13,000 contacts on his phone.

He emphasized that he rarely blocks people, making his number easily accessible to many. For a businessman who oversees various industries across Africa, the extensive contact list reflects the wide network he has cultivated over the years. Dangote's response also underscored the importance of staying reachable, even when compared to the luxury of a private jet.

Although his comment was a playful response to a hypothetical scenario, it emphasized the non-negotiable nature of his phone. Dangote, the founder of the Dangote Group, has built an empire with diverse business interests, including cement, sugar, salt, fertilizer, and petroleum refining. His remarks on Vision 2030 came as he shared his ambitions for Africa's industrial growth.