Northern Business Community Celebrates Dangote’s Inclusion in Time’s 100 Most Influential People
By Patience Ikpeme
Business leaders and industrial groups across Northern Nigeria have expressed immense pride following the selection of Aliko Dangote as the only Nigerian on Time Magazine’s 2026 list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
The organized private sector in the region described the recognition as a validation of Dangote’s decades-long commitment to African industrialization and self-reliance. Leading the tributes, the President of the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA), Alhaji Farouk Suleiman, noted that the honor transcends personal achievement.
“This distinction is not only a personal milestone for Mr. Dangote, but also a moment of pride for Nigeria and the African continent,” Suleiman stated. “His journey shows an extraordinary commitment to industrialization, economic transformation, and self-reliance, values that resonate strongly with our collective aspirations as a nation.”
The KADCCIMA President further remarked that Dangote’s influence stems from his role in building massive industries that have lowered Nigeria’s reliance on foreign imports while providing thousands of jobs. He also credited Dangote’s consistent support as the backbone that sustains the annual Kaduna Trade Fair.
From the manufacturing hub of Kano and Jigawa, Nura Madugu, a leader within the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), observed that Dangote’s footprints in cement, petrochemicals, and agriculture have fundamentally altered the nation’s economic landscape.
“His ability to execute ambitious projects, particularly in challenging environments, demonstrates visionary leadership and an unwavering belief in Africa’s potential,” Madugu said. He also pointed to Dangote’s social contributions in health and education, stating that his leadership style prioritizes people alongside profit. “For us at MAN, his recognition serves as an inspiration to the private sector, reinforcing the importance of enterprise, resilience, and nation-building.”
Echoing these sentiments, the Director General of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Mr. Agabaidu Jideani, said the global honor reflects the rising power of African entrepreneurs on the world stage. He noted that through the Dangote Group, the industrialist has shown how private enterprise can drive sustainable development and strengthen local production capacity.
“Beyond business, his commitment to social impact, especially in health and human development through the Aliko Dangote Foundation, underscores the critical role of responsible corporate leadership in nation-building,” Jideani stated. He added that the ACCI is proud of its association with Dangote and hopes his model of excellence encourages other African leaders to aim for global relevance.
Representing the grassroots industrial sector, the Chairman of the Nigeria Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Nasarawa State Chapter, Nidan Sambo Manasseh, said the selection is well-justified by Dangote’s role in reducing import dependency.
“His business model demonstrates that indigenous enterprises can compete at a global scale, offering a powerful example to small and medium-scale industrialists across the country,” Manasseh said. He noted that for small-scale operators, Dangote’s success serves as a blueprint for vision and discipline.
He concluded that the global community is recognizing not just business success, but a legacy of innovation and humanitarian service that uplifts communities across the continent.
