MIDDLE EAST WAR MAY PUSH NIGERIANS TO WORK FROM HOME – DANGOTE
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By:Tajudeen Aminat
Chairman and CEO of Dangote group, Aliko Dangote, has cautioned that the ongoing middle east crisis could compel Nigeria and other African nations to return to COVID-era work-from-home measures if tensions do not ease.
Dangote issued the warning on Monday after meeting with president Bola Tinubu at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos, expressing concern over the economic impact of fluctuating oil prices on a continent already weighed down by debt.
the industrialist said, “if the situation does not calm down, you know that in Africa, we generally lack savings.
“Many people depend on daily earnings to survive. some cannot afford to miss a day of work because if they don’t work, they may not have anything to eat.”
he referenced Indonesia’s response to energy-related pressures, noting that authorities reduced the workweek to four days and are considering a full return to remote work similar to the covid-19 period.
“in some countries, workers have already been directed to work from home because the cost is too high.
“in Indonesia, people now work only four days a week, and if the situation does not improve, they may eventually be told to stay home completely,” he said.
“we may return to the COVID period where people worked from home,” Dangote said.
the billionaire businessman warned that Africa could bear a heavier burden from a crisis it is not directly involved in.
“it’s not just about energy. some people may try to take advantage of the situation to make extra profit.
“if the situation doesn’t ease, prices will continue to rise, while governments may not be able to increase salaries accordingly.
“this means people will feel the impact severely,” he said.
Dangote stressed that the hardest hit would be ordinary Africans running small businesses, particularly those like barbers, bread sellers, and industries that rely on generators for power.
“those running small businesses—barbers, bakers, and others who depend on generators—are already feeling the strain,” he added.
he called for urgent prayers and global intervention to bring the conflict to an end.
“we all need to come together and pray for a resolution to this situation,” the Dangote group chairman said.
speaking on president Tinubu’s recent state visit to the united kingdom, Dangote expressed optimism that the trip would create new opportunities for Nigerian businesses and investments.
he pointed to the £746m infrastructure agreement signed during the visit, noting that its significance goes beyond its financial value.
“it hasn’t been easy engaging with the British to secure such funding, as they are also facing their own challenges. but this shows confidence—it’s not just about the money, it’s about belief in Nigeria,” Dangote said.
he added that the agreement could encourage other countries to follow suit.
“once this happens, other nations like Germany and more will likely step in and begin to show similar interest,” he said.
Dangote also disclosed that Nigerian investors can now access the UK export finance agency, a funding source that has largely remained under utilised over the years.
“this shows that Nigerian investors can approach the same agency and benefit from its resources. it means the agency is now open to doing business with Nigerians, and as private investors, we can seek their support,” he said.
the infrastructure deal signed during Tinubu’s visit to the united kingdom focuses on port development and other key sectors, with funding provided by UK export finance.
Dangote added that his visit to the president was to extend Eid-el-Fitr greetings and welcome him back from the two-day state visit to the united kingdom.
the ongoing middle east crisis has raised concerns over global oil price volatility, with possible effects on inflation, transportation costs, and energy-dependent sectors across Africa.
despite being an oil-producing nation, Nigeria remains exposed to global oil price fluctuations due to its reliance on imported refined petroleum products.
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