Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote has said giving up his phone for a week would be harder than going without his private jet, adding he would rather be sent to prison than have his phone taken away.
Speaking during a rapid-fire question session with actor RMD on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the billionaire was asked to choose between spending a week without his phone or without his private jet.
“I think it’s easier you put me in prison than to take my phone away,” Dangote said, describing his phone as a “no-go area.”
The industrialist explained that his phone is central to his daily communication, revealing that he has more than 13,000 contacts saved on the device.
“Do you know how many contacts I have on my phone?” he asked before disclosing the number.
Dangote also said he rarely blocks people because many have his personal number, which he has kept since 2000. He added that he answers his calls, highlighting how important staying connected is to him.
During the same conversation, Dangote was asked whether he would spend one billion naira on a party or invest the money in another factory.
The billionaire immediately chose the factory investment, reinforcing his long-standing focus on business and industrial development.
He was also asked to choose between football and Afrobeats. Dangote picked football, revealing that he is an Arsenal fan.
Billionaire says he still drives himself
Dangote also shared details about his personal life, saying he often drives himself, especially on weekends.
Recounting an encounter with fellow billionaire Abdul Samad Rabiu, Dangote said Rabiu was surprised to learn that he had driven himself to a meeting.
Dangote explained that he sometimes travels without a driver or security, adding that he had driven himself to a meeting and parked his own car.
“I said, ‘Samad, why are you asking me this? Of course, I drive myself. Everybody knows I drive myself, especially on weekends,’” Dangote recounted.
