I’m not interested in politics – Aliko Dangote

Africa’s richest man and Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, on Tuesday said he had no interest in actively participating in politics. He made this statement while speaking with journalists during a condolence visit to the Awolowo family over the death of Hannah Awolowo (HID) at the family’s residence in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun.

He said business should not be mixed with politics, as the skills needed to become successful in business are different from those required to succeed as a politician. “I can’t be in politics because they say when you want to clap you need two hands. If all of us in business go into politics then who is going to create the jobs?

“We are in the private sector so we should be creating jobs. Government should be creating good policies and also ensuring that we are not taking advantage of the poor. They are doing what they know how to do best and we are also doing what we know how to do best. Each is a master in its own terrain,” Dangote said, emphasising that government policies should be gear toward endearing investors and the promoting of the manufacturing sector.

He advised Nigerians not to be worried by the drop in oil prices, adding that austerity measureS adopted by the government will soon stabilise the economy. “During the oil boom, when a barrel of oil sold above 100 dollars, there were too many leakages which the Federal Government is now trying to resolve by plugging them.

“When this is effectively achieved, I believe the economy will begin to regain its stability. However, we must begin to explore other avenues to wealth aside from crude oil, especially agriculture which we were formerly used to. We really should not be complaining.” he said.