Africa’s richest billionaire, Aliko Dangote, has left netizens stunned after making a bizarre yet hilarious confession about his personal life. While many would assume a man worth billions would be fiercely protective of his private jet or luxury mansions, Dangote has revealed that his most prized possession is actually his mobile phone—and he is willing to go to prison to defend it.
During a star-studded fireside chat with veteran Nollywood actor Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) at the star-studded Dangote Vision 2030 event in Lagos, the business mogul was put on the hot seat. RMD asked Dangote a tough question: Would you rather spend one week without your private jet, or one week without your mobile phone?
Without missing a beat, Dangote shocked the audience by choosing to forfeit his luxury aircraft. In fact, he took it a step further, declaring that he would rather face a jail term than have his mobile device confiscated.
The Secret Behind the Billionaire’s Phone
Why is a simple phone so valuable to Africa’s ultimate industrialist? Dangote broke down the jaw-dropping reasons:
• 13,000+ Power Contacts: The phone acts as his ultimate mobile office, housing over 13,000 phone numbers of global leaders, business titans, and key associates. Losing it would mean losing his direct lifeline to the global economy.
• 26 Years, Same Number: The manufacturing giant revealed he has been using the exact same phone number since the year 2000.
• The “No Block” Policy: Unlike other elites who change numbers or block people, Dangote admitted he rarely blocks anyone who manages to get his contact.
The revelation has sparked massive reactions across social media, with fans praising his accessibility and humility. During the same event, Dangote also confessed that he loves driving himself around Lagos on weekends and would choose building a new factory over throwing a ₦1 billion luxury party.