Africa’s richest man and president of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has showered praise on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his transformative leadership in Lagos State and across Nigeria, especially in the areas of infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and economic expansion.
In an open letter made public by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga on Wednesday, Dangote expressed his “deep appreciation” to President Tinubu for the groundbreaking Bar Beach Land Reclamation initiative, which birthed the now-celebrated Eko Atlantic City project. The letter, filled with commendation and gratitude, acknowledged Tinubu’s foresight in addressing long-standing coastal and flooding challenges along Victoria Island’s once-vulnerable shoreline.
“Through this project, a process has begun that has transformed a coastline that was once prone to incessant floods into an emerging new district with a defining skyline and a receptacle for direct investment and socioeconomic growth ever since its conception in 2008,” Dangote wrote.
He noted that the Eko Atlantic City project, a 1,000-hectare modern city protected by an 8.5-kilometre sea wall, has not only prevented coastal erosion but also turned reclaimed land into a thriving hub for residential, business, and recreational purposes. Dangote praised this as a legacy that has improved the quality of life for Victoria Island residents and demonstrated Nigeria’s capability to undertake bold and innovative infrastructure solutions.
Referring to the tragic flash flooding incident in Kerr County, Texas, where over 100 lives were lost, Dangote used the contrast to underscore the critical importance of Tinubu’s early intervention in Nigeria. “Asiwaju of Africa, your foresightedness is even more visible in view of the tragic incident in Kerr County, Texas, USA… In the case of the Eko Atlantic City project spawned by you… it is protecting Victoria Island from coastal erosion,” Dangote stated.
The billionaire businessman further lauded President Tinubu’s efforts in improving Nigeria’s broader infrastructure landscape, particularly the ambitious Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway projects. He noted that both projects, which are being executed by the reputable Hitech Construction Company Limited, are not only enriching the country’s infrastructure stock but also reawakening long-forgotten national plans.
“The latter of the two is a resurrection of a 48-year-old project,” he said, referencing the Sokoto-Badagry corridor. “Your Excellency, you added another feat by kickstarting the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway and the Sokoto-Badagry superhighway, significantly enriching the country’s stock of infrastructure while improving the national road network linking Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.”
Dangote also drew parallels between Tinubu’s land reclamation approach and that of the Dutch in Zeeland, Netherlands — an area historically affected by flooding but successfully reclaimed and transformed into productive land through innovation and resilience. “This practice… is a testament to the Dutch ingenuity and perseverance in managing water resources… The same ethos resonates in the Bar Beach project, for which I salute you!”
He specifically acknowledged the improvements made in flood-prone areas such as Ahmadu Bello Way, Akin Adesola Street, Bishop Oluwole Street, Amodu Ojikutu Street, Adetokunbo Ademola Street, and Karimu Kotun Street. According to Dangote, these interventions are saving lives and property while restoring confidence in public planning and governance.
Beyond accolades, Dangote used the opportunity to pledge further action through his philanthropic arm, the Aliko Dangote Foundation. In response to the global threat of climate change, he announced plans to support a new climate resilience fund.
“In honour of your vision, the Aliko Dangote Foundation will soon be announcing plans to contribute to a climate fund that will target those vulnerable parts of our country that are susceptible to this natural disaster,” he revealed.
Dangote also extended his sympathies to the families affected by the Texas floods and used the moment to reflect on similar vulnerabilities across Nigeria. He emphasized that President Tinubu’s initiatives are crucial in mitigating such risks locally and should be celebrated and expanded.
Closing his letter, Dangote offered prayers for President Tinubu’s continued wisdom and success, while reiterating his admiration for the president’s bold and compassionate leadership style. “Your Excellency, I pray that the Almighty Allah (S.W.T.) would continue to increase your wisdom, burnish your vision, and inspire you to greater heights of success for the benefit of all Nigerians,” he wrote.
“Thank you very much, Asiwaju!”
The public letter from one of Africa’s most influential industrialists is being viewed by analysts as a major endorsement of Tinubu’s infrastructure agenda and long-term vision. It also reflects growing confidence within the business community about the president’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for sustainable development, urban resilience, and private sector growth.
With the Aliko Dangote Foundation now set to establish a new climate fund, the letter signals a strengthening of private-public collaboration in Nigeria’s environmental and infrastructural response strategy — a critical step as the country grapples with the challenges of rising sea levels, urban flooding, and the global shift toward climate-resilient cities.
