‘It’s easier to put me in prison than take my phone away’ – Aliko Dangote

African billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote has revealed just how attached he is to his mobile phone, joking that he would rather be sent to prison than have the device taken away from him for a week.

Dangote made the remark at an event in Lagos, Nigeria, where he unveiled his “Vision 2030” for Africa’s industrial revolution.

Asked to choose between spending a week without his phone and giving up access to his private jet for the same period, the industrialist made it clear that losing his phone would be the more difficult option.

“Ah… I think it’s easier you put me in prison than to take my phone away. So, you know, I mean taking my phone away is no-go area, okay?” he said.

The remark drew attention to the importance of the device in the daily life of one of Africa’s most influential business figures, whose extensive network of contacts is central to his business and personal engagements.

Dangote disclosed that he has more than 13,000 contacts saved on his phone, explaining that he has kept the same phone number for years and rarely blocks people from reaching him.

“I have more than 13,000 contacts on my phone,” he said.

He added that he does not like blocking people, which means many people have his number and can call him directly.

“I hardly… I don’t like blocking people, so a lot of people have my number and, eh, so, you know, I answer my calls,” he said.

For a businessman whose interests span major industries and markets across Africa, the sheer size of his contact list offers a glimpse into the network he has built over the years. His comments also suggest that staying reachable remains important to him, even when compared with access to one of the luxuries associated with his billionaire status.

While a private jet is often regarded as a symbol of wealth and convenience, Dangote’s playful response placed his phone in a category of its own, describing access to it as non-negotiable.

His “prison” remark was made in response to a hypothetical question about giving up the device, rather than an indication of any actual legal issue.

Dangote, founder of the Dangote Group, has built a business empire with interests including cement, sugar, salt, fertilizer and petroleum refining. His latest remarks came as he outlined his Vision 2030 ambitions for Africa’s industrial development.