Africa’s richest man and President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as “visionary leadership” in tackling infrastructure deficits and proactive flood control across Nigeria.
In an open letter titled “Appreciation: Open Letter To President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” Dangote lauded the Tinubu administration’s transformative initiatives—particularly spotlighting the Bar Beach Land Reclamation project, now known as Eko Atlantic City, and the ongoing superhighway developments nationwide.
The letter, widely circulated on Wednesday by Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, praised Tinubu for policies that, according to Dangote, are already yielding tangible and sustainable results.
Dangote drew a compelling comparison between the Eko Atlantic project—designed to reclaim land and shield Victoria Island from coastal erosion—and the recent flash floods in Kerr County, Texas, USA, which tragically claimed over 100 lives.
Highlighting the foresight behind the Lagos project, he wrote:
“Your Excellency, this success story, which is now being used for residential, business, and recreational purposes, is amongst your many legacies. Those of us who live in Victoria Island are much better off for it.”
He noted that the 8.5-kilometre-long sea wall and reclaimed 1,000-hectare modern city have not only curbed ocean surges but also mitigated recurrent flooding on critical roadways including Ahmadu Bello Way, Bishop Oluwole Street, and Adetokunbo Ademola Street.
Beyond flood control, Dangote praised the revival of major transport corridors, such as the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway and the Sokoto-Badagry superhighway—describing the latter as the “resurrection of a 48-year-old dream.”
Both projects are being executed by Hitech Construction Company, a top-tier engineering firm known for handling high-impact civil works.
Drawing a parallel with the Netherlands’ renowned water management model, Dangote likened Nigeria’s efforts in Bar Beach to the land reclamation projects in Zeeland, where submerged terrains have been turned into arable and habitable land.
“This is a testament to Dutch ingenuity—and that same spirit of perseverance and bold vision resonates in your leadership,” he told Tinubu.
In a humane twist, Dangote also expressed condolences to the victims of the Texas floods, announcing that the Aliko Dangote Foundation would soon unveil a Climate Fund dedicated to supporting vulnerable Nigerian communities most susceptible to climate-induced disasters.
Reacting to the open letter, Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga said Dangote’s remarks reflect “an honest and informed assessment” of Tinubu’s two-year performance in contrast to the often “unfounded criticisms” from the opposition.
