Northern business leaders cheer Dangote’s spot on Time’s 2026 influential 100
Business leaders across northern Nigeria have applauded Aliko Dangote’s inclusion on Time’s 2026 list of the world’s 100 most influential people, celebrating him as the sole Nigerian honoree and a standard-bearer for African enterprise, philanthropy, and industrial transformation.
Kaduna Chamber hails a symbol of industrial self-reliance
The President of the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA), Alhaji Farouk Suleiman, described the recognition as a proud moment for Nigeria and the continent. He noted that Dangote’s rise reflects a sustained commitment to industrialization, economic transformation, and national self-reliance—values deeply aligned with the Chamber’s mission and the country’s development aspirations.
According to Suleiman, Dangote’s influence is anchored in his pioneering role in building large-scale industries that cut import dependence and generate significant employment. He also credited the Dangote Group’s longstanding support for KADCCIMA’s activities—particularly Trade Fairs—with helping to sustain and elevate the annual showcase for local and international businesses.
Manufacturers Association: a blueprint for resilience and growth
From the perspective of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in Kano/Jigawa, leader Nura Madugu emphasized how the Dangote Group’s investments—spanning cement, petrochemicals, and agriculture—have reshaped critical sectors, bolstered regional competitiveness, and strengthened Nigeria’s position in global markets. He highlighted the execution of complex projects in challenging environments as proof of visionary leadership and unwavering confidence in Africa’s potential.
Madugu added that Dangote’s philanthropy mirrors his business impact, with sustained commitments in health, education, and humanitarian relief improving livelihoods and expanding opportunities. For the private sector, he said, this global recognition reinforces the importance of enterprise, resilience, and a nation-building mindset among Nigerian businesses.
Abuja Chamber underscores Africa’s rising global influence
The Director General of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Agabaidu Jideani, described the honor as both a testament to Dangote’s entrepreneurial accomplishments and a signal of the growing influence of African business leaders on the world stage. As a distinguished member of the Chamber, Dangote exemplifies how private enterprise can drive economic growth, accelerate industrialization, and support sustainable development.
Jideani pointed to the Dangote Group’s role in reshaping manufacturing, agriculture, and infrastructure across Nigeria and Africa, reducing import dependence and strengthening local production capacity. He also underscored the social impact of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, notably in health and human development, including efforts toward polio eradication and broader initiatives that continue to improve lives on the continent. The ACCI, he said, remains committed to policies and platforms that help businesses innovate, scale, and contribute meaningfully to national and continental progress—encouraging more African leaders to emulate this model of excellence and relevance.
NASSI Nasarawa: inspiration for small-scale industrialists
Chairman of the Nigeria Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Nasarawa State Chapter, Nidan Sambo Manasseh, said Dangote’s selection is well deserved, reflecting his transformative role in advancing industrialization. He cited strategic investments in manufacturing, cement production, and refining as catalysts that curbed import reliance and boosted local capability.
Manasseh noted that Dangote’s trajectory proves indigenous enterprises can successfully compete globally, offering a powerful example to micro, small, and medium-scale industrialists nationwide. He emphasized the importance of vision, discipline, and long-term commitment in building sustainable industries. Equally significant, he added, is Dangote’s enduring dedication to philanthropy—supporting health, education, and economic empowerment programs that uplift communities and promote inclusive growth. For NASSI, the global accolade honors not just business excellence but a broader contribution to human development and national progress.
Together, these voices from northern Nigeria’s business community frame Dangote’s recognition as a celebration of African ingenuity and a call to deepen the culture of enterprise, responsibility, and innovation. They view the milestone as both a national achievement and a catalyst for the next generation of industrial leaders across the country and the continent.
