Dangote urges Nigerians to embrace ‘Nigeria-first’ policy, pay taxes, prioritise industrialisation

By Kunle Sanni –

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has called on Nigerians and the business community to fully align with President Bola Tinubu’s Nigeria-first economic policy by prioritising local investment, paying taxes diligently, and reducing dependence on foreign investors.

Speaking on Friday after a meeting with President Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, Dangote said the government has already created an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, stressing that citizens and corporate organisations must now reciprocate by fulfilling their civic responsibilities.

“When government gives us the environment to make money, we must do our own civic duties — and that is to pay tax,” he said.

According to him, tax revenues determine whether children can attend school or access healthcare locally.

“None of us needs to go to Cairo, London or the US for medicals. We can build it here,” he added.

Dangote criticised the long-standing habit of relying on foreign investment to drive Nigeria’s development, insisting that no foreign investor will commit to the country unless local players take the lead.

“We should stop calling for foreign investors. What attracts foreign investors is seeing domestic investors succeed,” he said.

He emphasised that real progress will come only when Nigerians invest in their own industries rather than waiting for foreign aid.