Headlines
Alleged monopoly: ‘Others take their money to Dubai, UK,’ Nigerians hail Dangote’s investments
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Nigerians have commended the African billionaire businessman and chairman of Dangote Industries Limited, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, for his investments and belief in the country.
KANO FOCUS reports that the commendations are coming on the heels of allegations of monopoly by the Nigerian government against Dangote following his plans to invest in the steel sector.
However, Aliko Dangote, while speaking with journalists at his refinery in Lagos on Saturday, said the board of the company (Dangote Group) was no longer interested in investing in the steel development sector.
According to him, his company adds value by turning raw materials into products and never “consciously or unconsciously stopped anybody from doing the same business that we are doing.”
While describing the monopolistic labelling of his company as disheartening, he said, “When we first came into cement production, it was only Lafarge that was operating here in Nigeria… Nobody ever called Lafarge a monopoly.
“Let other Nigerians go and do it. We are not the only Nigerians here. There are some Nigerians with more cash than us,” Dangote said.
But reacting to the accusations against Dangote, an X user, identified as Dr Dipo Awojide, said the billionaire businessman should be commended for his investments in the country.
“A man who invested $20 billion in his country should be commended. Others take their money to Dubai and UK and invest in properties. Dangote creates jobs and pays taxes. He should continue to enjoy the support of the government just like other players in other key sectors,” he said.
Another Nigerian, identified as Nefertiti, opined that Dangote has paid dues and undeserving of the accusations from the government.
She said, “No one demarkets Nigeria more than the Bola Tinubu Regime. Monopoly or not, Dangote has paid his dues. I may have my reservations, but Aliko believe in Nigeria, more than all the politicians combined. Foreign investors have seen this, & they will stay away from Nigeria 💔.”
For another Nigerian X user who identified as Man of Letters, Dangote is the second biggest hope of FX after crude oil exports, saying he “is now frustrated to the point that he doesn’t want to invest any more in Nigeria. Nothing survives here.”
Another Nigerian, who tweeted @maryam_jidayi, believed Dangote’s recent experience and accusation is one of the reasons many Nigerians choose to invest in other countries.
“What’s happening to Dangote right now is exactly why many Nigerians invest their money in another country. Imagine trying to de-market someone who invested over $20 billion to build a refinery in his country! This is diabolical!
“Now that he is no longer interested in venturing into the steel industry, you people should make sure you venture into that! 🤡,” she said.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday received a delegation from the Association of Kano Business Community at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during a thank-you visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
KANO FOCUS reports that the delegation expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support to traders and other victims affected by the recent fire incident that razed several sections of the popular Singer Market in Kano.
Speaking during the meeting, the Vice President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborating with the Kano State Government and relevant agencies to prevent a recurrence of fire outbreaks in markets across the state.
He assured the delegation that President Tinubu has the interests of Kano people at heart, noting that the N5 billion approved as immediate relief for victims was based on the findings of a preliminary assessment of the damage caused by the inferno.
Shettima reiterated that the Federal Government would continue to support efforts aimed at restoring commercial activities and strengthening safety measures in markets to protect lives and property.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has inaugurated a 23-member committee to oversee the transparent and equitable distribution of financial assistance and relief materials to victims of the recent Singer Market fire disaster.
KANO FOCUS reports that the inauguration was carried out on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Faruq Ibrahim, who chairs the committee. The event was presided over by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude.
According to the Attorney-General, the committee comprises representatives from key government agencies, security services, the Kano Emirate Council, religious leaders, and affected traders.
He said the panel’s mandate includes assessing the extent of losses, verifying genuine victims, ensuring timely distribution of support, and recommending measures to prevent future fire incidents.
The intervention follows support approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as contributions from the APC Governors Forum. It also comes in addition to earlier assistance provided by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting victims of the disaster and restoring commercial activities at Singer Market.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has announced Saturday, March 1, 2026, as the commencement date for the Eid-el-Fitr break for all public and private primary and post-primary schools in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the announcement, contained in the approved 2025/2026 academic calendar, applies to both day and boarding schools across the state.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Enlightenment, Musbahu Aminu Yakasai, parents and guardians of pupils and students in boarding schools are expected to convey their wards home by the early hours of Friday, February 28, 2026.
The statement further explained that boarding school students are to resume on Sunday, March 22, 2026, while day students are to resume on Monday, March 23, 2026.
It added that the second term will continue from Sunday, March 22, 2026, and end on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
The government directed all public and private schools in the state to comply strictly with the directive, warning that non-compliance would be treated as a breach of government instructions.
The Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna Abubakar Makoda, urged parents and guardians to ensure full compliance with the approved resumption dates.
He appreciated parents and residents of the state for their continued cooperation and support to the ministry, and wished pupils and students a successful completion of the Ramadan fast and hitch-free Sallah celebrations.
Kano business community thanks FG for N5bn Singer market relief
Kano Govt inaugurates 23-member committee to disburse Singer market fire relief
Kano Govt announces March 1 for schools’ Ramadan break
NCC board chair hosts licensed telecoms operators in Lagos
Stakeholders seek stronger nutrition financing at local government level
Lami Maccido, first person to appear on screens of NTA Kano, CTV 67, dies at 72
Governor Yusuf Appoints Acting DG for Pilgrims Board, Names Provost for Anti-Corruption Institute
Kano govt investigates reported disease outbreak in Garko community
K-SAFE appeals to Kano Executive Council to pass revised education bill
