To quell the escalating tension between Nigerian business magnates Aliko Dangote and Abdul Samad Rabiu, the Nigerian Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has issued a statement urging restraint and unity for the stability of the northern region.
Rabiu, the founder of BUA Group, recently responded vehemently to allegations made by Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest man, dismissing them as baseless and labelling them as “cheap attempts at blackmail.”
BUA Group’s management, in a relentless defense of its integrity, highlighted a history marked by resilience against deception and accused Dangote of orchestrating months of sponsored campaigns against them through third-party platforms.
NEF Expresses concerns over growing rift between the Nigerian business titans
Expressing deep concern over the widening conflict, NEF, in a statement signed by its convener, Ango Abdullahi, emphasized the negative impact of the discord on the economic and political stability of the northern region.
Abdullahi stated, “The current conflicts between Aliko Dangote and Abdulsamad Isiyaku Rabiu over cement prices are exacerbating the challenges faced by the Northern region in terms of security and the economy.”
NEF called on both business leaders to set an example for the North, stating, “Alhaji Dangote and Abdulsamad are both eminent business leaders and respected elders of the North who should be at the forefront of setting exemplary conduct for the benefit of the entire region.”
The forum stressed the importance of fostering understanding and avoiding unnecessary conflicts to create a stable environment conducive to peace-building, progress, and development. Furthermore, NEF urged Dangote and Rabiu to restrain their proxies from engaging in media crossfires that have dominated the public discourse.
BUA Group extends olive branch, calls for unity in Nation-building
However, BUA Group had extended the olive branch to Dangote in its statement last week, focusing on nation-building and cooperation. The group emphasized, “Let us build, not battle. Let us cultivate, not conquer,” expressing its commitment to the prosperity of Nigeria and its dedication to contributing to the nation’s growth and development.
Dangote and Rabiu, leaders of Africa’s industrial and manufacturing revolution through their conglomerates Dangote Group and BUA Group, maintain diversified investments across key business sectors in the African economy. They presently rank among the world’s leading billionaires, with a net worth of $16 billion and $5.44 billion, respectively.
