President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has urged Nigerian entrepreneurs and creative industry practitioners to build globally competitive businesses, create opportunities and contribute to Africa’s economic transformation.
Dangote gave the charge while hosting stakeholders from Nigeria’s creative industry at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals and Dangote Fertiliser complexes in Lekki, Lagos, on Monday, October 19, 2026.
The delegation, comprising Nollywood actors, musicians, content creators, comedians and other entertainment personalities, toured the industrial facilities before engaging Dangote in discussions on entrepreneurship, innovation, ambition and legacy.
During the interaction, Dangote disclosed that his group was considering revising its US$100 billion Vision 2030 target upwards, with a new ambition expected to be unveiled in January.
“We realised that our Vision 2030 target was too modest. We are working towards unveiling a new vision in January, with a revised target that reflects our ambition to achieve far more than US$100 billion,” he said.
Dangote challenged Nigerians to take greater responsibility for the continent’s economic future, arguing that Africa’s prosperity must be driven by its own entrepreneurs and businesses rather than dependence on foreign investors.
“It is not just about money; it is about legacy. We have often been taken for granted, and in many ways, we have contributed to that by waiting for foreigners to come and make our continent prosperous. That will never happen. We must take responsibility for building Africa’s prosperity ourselves,” he said.
He urged entrepreneurs to combine creativity and ambition with discipline, perseverance and sound business judgement, stressing that success should be measured not only by personal wealth but also by the businesses established, jobs created and contributions made to society.
Drawing lessons from Singapore’s economic transformation, Dangote said countries could overcome difficult beginnings through deliberate investment, enterprise and sustained efforts to strengthen their domestic capabilities.
He encouraged Nigerian business owners to challenge assumptions about what was achievable, noting that major industrial and commercial accomplishments often required the courage to pursue ideas others considered impossible.
Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey and the development of the refinery, Dangote identified perseverance, disciplined execution and careful decision-making as essential to business success. He also cautioned against continuing to invest in ventures that were no longer commercially viable.
“Before embarking on any venture, you must carefully consider all the issues involved. We have made mistakes too, and I share these experiences so others can learn from them,” he said.
“One important lesson is never to keep putting good money into a bad investment. Some situations are simply too difficult to turn around, no matter how much you invest.”
Turning to the creative industry, Dangote commended Nigerian entertainers for expanding the country’s international cultural influence despite operating in a challenging business environment and receiving limited government support.
He described Nollywood’s growing global presence as evidence of Nigeria’s creative potential, urging practitioners to build on their achievements through stronger business structures, innovation and collaboration.
According to him, the industry’s next phase of growth should extend beyond international recognition to developing sustainable businesses, creating employment and strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global creative economy.
Veteran actor Richard Mofe-Damijo, who moderated the interactive session, praised Dangote’s industrial investments, describing them as a lasting contribution to Nigeria’s development.
“Your legacy has already been built, and its continuation is assured. You deserve all the praise and recognition you have received for what you have accomplished,” Mofe-Damijo said.
Nollywood actor Abdullateef Adedimeji described the visit as an inspiring experience, saying the scale of the refinery had encouraged him to raise his ambitions and pursue greater achievements in the creative industry.
“Coming here today is a source of motivation for us. As someone in the film industry, this experience inspires me to push beyond my limits, broaden my imagination and strive for greater achievements, including making a more meaningful impact in my community,” he said.
Adedimeji also called for stronger collaboration among Nollywood practitioners, drawing lessons from the partnerships and coordination involved in Dangote’s industrial operations.
“That is what we need in Nollywood. The more we collaborate, the stronger and more successful we become,” he said.
The visit brought together prominent figures from Nigeria’s entertainment industry, including Mofe-Damijo, Joke Silva and musician Jude Abaga, popularly known as M.I, for an exchange focused on entrepreneurship, industrial development and the potential for greater collaboration between business and the creative sector.
