Aliko Dangote has said he no longer wants to be called Africa’s richest man, saying he prefers to be known as the “wealthiest man” who helps others create wealth.
The Dangote Industries Limited president spoke on Monday at the Nigerian Exchange in Lagos, where he sounded the gong to formally launch the Initial Public Offering of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals.
“I don’t want anybody again to call me the richest man in Africa. I want to be called the wealthiest man in Africa so that I can create wealth for others,” he said.
Dangote said the IPO gives investors a chance to take part in what he called a major chapter for Nigeria and Africa’s economies.
“Today, we are not merely offering shares. We are offering an opportunity to participate in the transformational chapter of not only Nigeria’s economy, of Africa’s economy,” Dangote said.
He also urged Nigerians to grow the capital market and make wealth ownership wider.
“Together, let us deepen our capital market. Together, let us create prosperity through ownership. Together, let us build a stronger Nigeria. Together, let us ensure prosperity for Africa,” he said.
Dangote spoke about years of personal sacrifice, including time away from his family. He thanked his three daughters, Mariya, Halima and Fatima, for their support and understanding.
The IPO opened on September 14, 2026, offering 4.1 billion new ordinary shares at N525 each. The minimum subscription is 10 shares worth N5,250. The offer closes on October 13, 2026, subject to the prospectus terms.
The launch also marked the first refinery listing offer on the Nigerian stock market in NGX’s 66-year history.
