Investments In Nigeria: Why Is Dangote Not Investing In The South East (igboland)?

Source: thewillnigeria.com

The crystal truth now, is that Aliko Dangote is the richest Nigerian and African (if not Blackman alive). And the whole truth is that he has invested in nearly all parts of Nigeria; and now investing massively and hugely in all parts of Africa (in cement production and other consumables). But charity (even though there is nothing like charity in business investments), when not thoroughly began at home, before it begins outside, becomes something similarly done to look like a debilitating-joke.

First, bear in mind that this writer, by writing this paper, is not trying to cast doubts or aspersion on the integrity and person of Aliko Dangote, or Corporate Dangote. Far from it! But he just wants to state a missing fact and reality in his investment portfolio, acumen and business-dexterity (and he stands to be corrected). Indeed, Aliko Dangote and corporate Dangote has not invested in the South East of Nigeria (Igboland), as he has done in other parts of Nigeria (and presently extending his lucrative and societal-beneficial business empire to other parts of Africa). Why is this so? This writer and others like him (who are Pan Nigerians and Pan Africans) cannot fathom the reasons why this is so.

Please note, and to say the least also, that: This writer has met Aliko Dangote (close and personal) three times, while he was working as a staff of the defunct Nigeria Airways (at Lagos Domestic Airport and Calabar Airport). Indeed, he (Aliko Dangote) humanely connected with this writer and twice invited him (this writer) to see him in his Corporate Head Offices at Ikoyi-Lagos (on appointment), many  years ago; but was prevented from seeing him by his “Corporate Fend-offs” (apologies for this word coinage if it seem negative—but those who prevent genuinely invited people from seeing their principals and bosses are not doing them good—they do not know how much harm they cause them in their public-space interests –no matter how small).

Back to the main issue here and the question that follows it, is: Why is Aliko Dangote, and Corporate Dangote, not investing in the South East of Nigeria (Igboland), no matter how small the investment? Is he consciously avoiding or mistakenly (i.e. has forgotten) to invest in the South East (Igboland)? He, and his group of companies have, invested massively in cement production in Benue State (in the North Central and also in massive rice growing and production in Nassarawa State); in the South West (in Ibeshi and in the biggest oil refinery now under construction in Lekki in Lagos State); in the South-South (in Edo—in a huge cement industry under construction); in the core North (North West and North East). Then, why are they not investing in the South East that has abundant limestone and other cement raw materials in Nkalagu (Ebonyi State—which also have abundant salt deposits)?

Some people say that he is behaving like other non Igbo businessmen—who seemingly avoids (or do we say: dreads) investing in Igboland: Is this true with him also; and is this true with Dangote Group investments too? Question, questions and more questions? But in all, the question that excited the writing of this write-up is: Why is the unparalleled investment instinct of Aliko Dangote and the Dangote Group of Companies, not investing in the South East of Nigeria (Igboland)? To say the least, this question begs for an answer! Indeed, in all, this writer and the said others like him, waits for a fast-forwarded answer and the beginning of their massive investments in the South East (Igboland) too.

Anything short of that is not a friendly business disposition towards the South East. As the popular cliché asserts: “What is good for the goose, is good for the gander”. After all, Igbo consumers also patronize Dangote products in massive proportions; and also double as their key distributors—and by so doing, they help Dangote group of companies to make huge profits too; and to say the least, some of the profit should be spent in building industries that will create employments in the South East.

Written by Ejike Kingsley Osuji.
[email protected]

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