Gladness Gideon
President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “visionary leadership” in spearheading major infrastructure and flood control projects across Nigeria, citing the Eko Atlantic City development and new highway constructions as landmark achievements.
In an open letter titled “Appreciation: Open Letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR”, shared by Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga via his X handle on Wednesday, Dangote praised Tinubu’s foresight, particularly referencing the transformation of Bar Beach through the Eko Atlantic City project.
The ambitious land reclamation initiative, which spans 1,000 hectares and is shielded by an 8.5-kilometre sea wall, has successfully protected Victoria Island from ocean surges and created new spaces for residential and commercial development.
“Those of us who live in Victoria Island are much better off for it,” Dangote wrote, acknowledging Tinubu’s “exemplary intervention” in mitigating the historic flooding that once plagued key parts of Lagos, including Ahmadu Bello Way, Adetokunbo Ademola Street, and Akin Adesola Street.
Drawing a global comparison, Dangote referenced recent deadly flooding in Kerr County, Texas, USA—which claimed over 100 lives—emphasizing how proactive urban planning, such as that seen in the Eko Atlantic project, can prevent disaster.
He further likened Nigeria’s progress in land reclamation to the Dutch success in transforming the submerged lands of Zeeland into habitable, productive terrain.
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Beyond flood mitigation, the billionaire industrialist also hailed the Tinubu administration’s renewed commitment to national infrastructure development.
He highlighted the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway and the Sokoto-Badagry superhighway as transformative, particularly noting the latter as the revival of a 48-year-old project. Both projects are being executed by Hitech Construction Company Limited, which Dangote described as a “first-rate construction and civil engineering firm.”
In addition to his commendation, Dangote announced that the Aliko Dangote Foundation would soon unveil a Climate Fund aimed at supporting flood-prone communities across Nigeria. He also extended condolences to the victims of the Texas flooding incident, describing it as a stark reminder of the dangers of climate-related disasters.
Reacting to Dangote’s letter, Onanuga said the industrialist’s statement offers an “honest assessment of Tinubu’s leadership” and directly counters claims by opposition figures who allege the President has made no tangible progress in office.
The open endorsement from Africa’s richest man adds to growing recognition of Tinubu’s infrastructure push as the administration continues to promote resilience through sustainable development and long-term planning.