Day Dangote Said ‘I’m getting worried about you.’ And I replied , ‘What’ve I done?’” – Obasanjo Reveals

— Obasanjo and Dangote at an event

By Adeola Idris

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo during a recent appearance on Channels TV reflected on his role in reshaping Nigeria’s cement industry and the importance of partnerships between government and the private sector. Speaking at an investment summit, Obasanjo emphasized that economic growth requires leadership that is bold, consistent, and willing to take difficult decisions for long-term benefits.

He recounted how his administration took deliberate steps to encourage industrialist Aliko Dangote to shift from cement importation to large-scale local production. Obasanjo personally monitored progress on Dangote’s factory sites, receiving daily updates on construction work.

This close supervision, he explained, underscored his commitment to ensuring Nigeria reduced its dependence on imports.

In a moment that drew laughter from the audience, Obasanjo recalled: “One day, Dangote came to me and said, ‘I’m getting worried about you.’ I said, ‘What’ve I done?’” – Obasanjo, noting that Dangote was surprised by the president’s level of personal involvement in a private business project. Obasanjo said he reminded him that anything that benefits Nigeria is ultimately a government project, regardless of who owns it.

The former president explained that this partnership not only revolutionized the cement sector but also positioned Nigeria as a regional exporter. By tying import licenses to production, his government made it profitable for investors to build factories, a strategy that yielded long-term gains.

He urged today’s leaders to adopt similar methods in agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure, stressing that Nigeria has the potential to lead Africa if the right policies are enforced. He also pointed to Vietnam’s success in coffee production as an example of how consistent focus can turn a country into a global leader in a short time.