Kehinde Fajobi
Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Industries Limited, has pledged ₦8 billion for the construction of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Presidential Library.
Speaking on Thursday, February 20, at the launch of Babangida’s autobiography, A Journey in Service, Dangote announced that he would disburse ₦2 billion annually over four years for the project.
If the construction extends beyond this period, he committed to continuing the annual payments until completion.
Dangote praised Babangida’s contributions to Nigeria’s private sector, crediting him with key economic reforms that facilitated business growth.
“Your Excellency, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for all you have done for Nigeria. Many may not realise that you were the architect of the private sector in Nigeria,” he said.
Reflecting on Babangida’s economic policies, he noted, “In 1986, you abolished the requirements for import licences, and it was because of that decision that we were able to reach the highest levels of growth.”
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He also recalled Babangida’s role in issuing banking licences and oil bloc allocations that empowered Nigerian entrepreneurs.
“I am confident that future leaders will continue to follow your example, working closely with the private sector,” Dangote added.
Other prominent Nigerians also contributed to the project. Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group, pledged ₦5 billion, while Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, founder of the TY Danjuma Foundation, donated ₦3 billion.
Businesswoman Folorunsho Alakija and several others also made contributions but did not publicly disclose the amounts.