‘Take Me to Jail Rather Than Take Away My Phone’ — Dangote Says He Has Over 13,000 Contacts

By Emmanuel Kwada

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has revealed how important his mobile phone is to his personal and business life, saying he would rather be taken to jail than have his phone taken away from him.

Dangote made the remark during a light-hearted question-and-answer session at a Dangote Vision 2030 event, where he was asked to choose between spending one week without his private jet or going a week without his phone.

It’s easier to take me to jail than to take my phone away. Taking my phone is a no-go area.

Responding to the question, the billionaire businessman said losing access to his phone would be far more difficult for him than being without his private jet.

“It’s easier to take me to jail than to take my phone away. Taking my phone is a no-go area,” Dangote said.

Explaining his attachment to the device, he disclosed that he has more than 13,000 contacts saved on his phone, highlighting the extensive network of personal and professional relationships he maintains.

Dangote also revealed that he has retained the same phone number since 2000, demonstrating his long-standing commitment to remaining accessible to people who need to reach him.

According to him, he does not like blocking people and makes an effort to answer his calls.

The comments offered a glimpse into the communication habits of one of Africa’s most influential business leaders, whose operations span several sectors, including cement, fertiliser, sugar and petroleum refining.

Beyond the phone discussion, the session touched on other lifestyle and business choices, including football versus Afrobeats and whether to spend ₦1 billion on a party or invest the money in another factory.

Dangote also spoke about his driving habits, revealing that he sometimes drives himself rather than relying on a personal driver.

He said he had driven himself the day before the event and recounted attending a meeting without a driver or security personnel.

His remarks provided a lighter perspective on the billionaire, whose public image is largely associated with large-scale industrial investments, business expansion and economic development.

For Dangote, the exchange suggested that while private jets and other luxury possessions may be replaceable, his phone remains an essential tool for maintaining the extensive network of relationships that supports his personal and professional engagements.

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