(DDM) – Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has criticized wealthy Nigerians who abandon the country’s economic challenges for foreign comfort rather than investing in national development.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Dangote made the remarks on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, while addressing participants at a public forum.
The billionaire industrialist revealed that, contrary to popular belief, many Nigerians actually hold more liquid cash than he does.
However, he lamented that such individuals often retreat to places like Monaco when difficulties emerge, instead of committing their resources to Nigeria’s industrial growth.
“There are more people who have more liquid cash than me, maybe one or two or three without mentioning names,” Dangote said.
“But when they see us going through wahala, they run to Monaco and just stay there. They don’t want to go through this hell. But me, I’ve already developed too much grey hair, I’m ready to just carry on.”
Dangote described this trend as a major obstacle to Nigeria’s economic progress.
He argued that sustainable industrialization requires the participation of both government and private investors.
According to him, no nation can develop without critical industries such as steel and power.
He warned that wealthy Nigerians undermine the country by “importing poverty and exporting jobs” through foreign investments.
“If you keep taking the money to Dubai, you are doing injustice to yourself,” he said.
Dangote added that such capital flight weakens the naira and erodes long-term economic stability.
He highlighted his own large-scale ventures — including the refinery, fertilizer plants, and cement operations — as proof that investments in Nigeria can thrive despite challenges.
Dangote disclosed that his companies have trained over 67,000 Nigerians, many of whom are now globally competitive professionals.
He further noted that taxes from his businesses form a significant portion of government revenue.
The business mogul insisted that Nigeria’s future lies in industrial self-reliance.
He maintained that a strong industrial base is essential for job creation in a country with a rapidly growing population.
His remarks come as Nigeria faces deep economic uncertainty, soaring unemployment, and persistent reliance on imports.
Observers view his comments as a direct call to action for the nation’s wealthy elite to take greater responsibility.
Analysts also note that Dangote’s blunt critique reflects the frustration of investors who have weathered years of regulatory, financial, and infrastructural hurdles.
For Dangote, however, the solution lies not in retreat but in perseverance and collective national effort.
The post Dangote slams wealthy Nigerians for fleeing abroad instead of investing at home
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first appeared on Diaspora Digital Media DDM.
