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Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has said he would rather go to prison than have his mobile phone taken away from him, describing the device as something he cannot do without.
The billionaire industrialist made the remark while responding to a question about choosing between spending a week without his phone or his private jet.
In a video shared by Nigerian Tribune, Dangote explained that losing access to his phone would be particularly difficult because of the large number of contacts saved on the device and the volume of calls he receives.
“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,” he said.
The business mogul disclosed that he had been using the same phone number since 2000 and had accumulated more than 13,000 contacts over the years.
He added that he rarely blocks people who call him, noting that many people have his number and can reach him directly.
13,000 contacts on his phone
Explaining why he would find it difficult to stay without his phone, Dangote said the device had become an important means of maintaining contact with people across his business and personal networks.
He recalled an occasion when he was with an associate and they attempted to watch a film together, but the associate’s phone kept ringing repeatedly.
“You know how many contacts I have on my phone? Yesterday, we were together. We tried to watch a film together, and then your phone was just buzzing and buzzing. So, I know that would be almost impossible,” he said.
Dangote added that he had retained his phone number for more than two decades, making it familiar to thousands of people who contact him.
“I have had that number since 2000. I have more than 13,000 contacts on my phone. I don’t like blocking people. So, a lot of people have my number,” he said.
His remarks highlighted the extent to which the phone serves as a communication link between him and the numerous people who have his contact details.
Dangote speaks on driving himself
The industrialist also spoke about his driving habits, revealing that he sometimes drives himself to meetings without a personal driver or security personnel.
He recounted an encounter with an associate identified as Samad, who was surprised to learn that he had driven himself to a meeting.
According to Dangote, he drove to the venue and parked his vehicle himself.
“I drove myself. I parked my car and, you know, I’m a better driver than my driver,” he said.
The revelation offered a glimpse into the billionaire’s personal habits outside his business activities.
Dangote, founder of the Dangote Group, has extensive business interests across several sectors, including cement, fertiliser, manufacturing and petroleum refining.
His comments about his phone and driving habits have drawn attention to the everyday preferences of one of Africa’s most prominent businessmen.
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