Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for what he described as “unprecedented strides” in national infrastructure development and proactive flood control measures across Nigeria.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of a major new flood control project in Lagos State, Dangote said Tinubu’s leadership had brought a new level of urgency and coordination to infrastructure delivery, especially in areas critical to economic stability and public safety.
>For decades, Nigeria has grappled with infrastructural decay and seasonal flooding that has devastated communities and disrupted commerce,” Dangote said. “But under President Tinubu, we are seeing a real shift — not just in vision, but in execution.”
The newly completed Lagos Flood Mitigation Corridor, a joint effort between the federal government and several private sector stakeholders, is designed to channel excessive rainfall and protect over 12 million residents in flood-prone zones. The corridor is one of several initiatives under Tinubu’s Resilient Nigeria Infrastructure Plan (RNIP) launched in 2024.
Dangote, whose cement and construction businesses have been integral to the delivery of major projects in Nigeria, noted that Tinubu’s infrastructure push is unlocking growth, attracting foreign investment, and enhancing national resilience.
>As a businessman and a Nigerian, I am proud to see a government that doesn’t just talk, but acts,” he continued. “Our roads are improving. Rail lines are expanding. Ports are being modernized. And now, we’re seeing serious investment in climate resilience — this is the leadership Nigeria needs.”
President Tinubu, who was present at the event, expressed gratitude for the support of the private sector and emphasized that his administration would continue to pursue strategic infrastructure investments as a pillar of economic reform.
>Our mission is simple: build a Nigeria that works — in every sense of the word,” Tinubu said. “From flood control to highways, power, and housing, we are working to lay a foundation that will serve generations.”
The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and other stakeholders have also praised the administration’s renewed focus on flood control, especially in light of the devastating floods of 2022 and 2023 that displaced over 1.5 million people.
So far, under Tinubu’s leadership, over ₦800 billion has been allocated to flood mitigation projects across 22 states, including the dredging of critical rivers, the construction of dams, and the establishment of early warning systems.
As the event concluded, Dangote reiterated his commitment to supporting government-led efforts to build a more resilient Nigeria.
>Infrastructure is the backbone of progress. And when we protect our people from disasters, we protect our future,” he said. “I stand fully with this administration in its journey to build a safer, stronger Nigeria.”
