Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of Dangote Industries Ltd., has commended former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), for his economic policies that empowered Nigerian investors and strengthened the private sector.
Speaking at the unveiling of Babangida’s autobiography, A Journey in Service, and the inauguration of the IBB Presidential Library, Dangote acknowledged the former leader’s pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s economic landscape.
He particularly praised the abolition of import licences during Babangida’s administration, noting that it spurred industrial growth and increased private-sector participation.
“These reforms ensured Nigeria has the highest private-sector involvement in Africa. Today, the private sector contributes 85 per cent of our GDP, while the government accounts for just 15 per cent,” Dangote stated.
Expressing deep appreciation, he credited Babangida as the architect of Nigeria’s private sector expansion. “Many successful entrepreneurs today owe their rise to your policies,” he added.
To support the IBB Presidential Library, Dangote announced an N8 billion donation, to be disbursed at N2 billion annually over four years. He further pledged to sustain the funding beyond this period if needed.
Other business magnates also made significant contributions, with BUA Group Chairman, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, donating N5 billion, and TY Danjuma Foundation’s Founder, General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), contributing N3 billion.
The event attracted top dignitaries, reaffirming Babangida’s enduring influence on Nigeria’s economic and political landscape.
