Fact-Check: Did Vice President Kashim Shettima Say Lagos, Not Kano, Produced Dangote and Abdulsamad of BUA?
Claim: A claim circulating online widely in Hausa Language alleges that Vice President Kashim Shettima had stated that Lagos State, and not Kano, produced Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, and BUA Group chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu.
Meanwhile, while the Hausa text version was widely shared to different from and groups Northerners who speak the language, the comment generated debate, in other platforms including here and here because both businessmen are widely known to have roots in Kano State. Records show that Dangote was born in Kano and belongs to the influential Dantata business family, while Rabiu was also born and raised in Kano.
Background: Aliko Dangote was born on April 10, 1957, in Kano State. He hails from the prominent Dantata family and later built one of Africa’s largest business empires through investments in cement, sugar, flour, oil and gas, and manufacturing.
Although his roots are in Kano, many of Dangote Group’s largest investments and industrial operations are based in Lagos, including the Dangote Refinery and sugar refinery.
Abdul Samad Rabiu founder of BUA Group, was also born and raised in Kano State.
He established BUA International Limited in 1988 and expanded the company into major sectors including cement, sugar, flour milling, steel, and infrastructure. BUA later developed major industrial investments across Nigeria, including in Lagos.
Verification: To verify the claim, PRNigeria Fact Check reviewed the viral video and analysed the Vice President’s full remarks delivered during the Invest Lagos Summit 3.0.
During the event, Shettima described Lagos as the economic nerve centre of Africa and praised the state’s contribution to Nigeria’s economic development.
In his speech, he stated:
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“Lagos donated President Tinubu to Africa, it was Lagos that donated to Africa its richest man, not Kano. Aliko Dangote is a Lagos man.”»
He also referenced Abdul Samad Rabiu, saying the BUA chairman similarly emerged from the Lagos business environment.
Beyond Dangote and Rabiu, the Vice President mentioned other prominent Nigerians to illustrate Lagos’ cosmopolitan identity and economic influence.
He cited the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, saying Keyamo identifies Lagos as home despite being from Ughelli in Delta State.
Shettima also referenced tax expert and chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, saying he is closely associated with Lagos despite his Ondo roots.
In a lighter moment, the Vice President jokingly remarked that Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma made his fortune in Lagos before reconnecting with his home state.
He further praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for laying the political and developmental foundation that shaped modern Lagos governance and economic continuity.
The Vice President additionally highlighted Lagos’ economic significance, noting that several of Africa’s leading startup companies and unicorns are headquartered in the state.
Contextual Analysis: A closer review of Shettima’s remarks by PRNigeria shows that the Vice President was speaking in the context of Lagos’ economic environment and commercial opportunities, not disputing the state of origin of Dangote or Rabiu.
His comments appeared intended to emphasise how Lagos has served as a platform where many Nigerian entrepreneurs and professionals built successful careers and businesses.
In Nigerian social culture, expressions such as “Lagos man” or “Lagos boy” are often informally used to describe individuals strongly associated with Lagos through residence, business activities, or lifestyle, rather than indicating their ancestral origin.
Both Dangote and Rabiu maintain extensive business operations in Lagos, which remains Nigeria’s commercial capital and a major hub for investment and enterprise.
Conclusion: Vice President Kashim Shettima did say that Lagos “gave Africa its richest man” while referring to Aliko Dangote and Abdul Samad Rabiu during the Invest Lagos Summit.
However, the statement does not mean he claimed the businessmen are originally from Lagos State or denied their Kano roots. Instead, his remarks were made in reference to Lagos’ role as Nigeria’s commercial hub where their businesses flourished and expanded.
Verdict: The claim is MISLEADING.
By PRNigeria
