A fresh wave of economic uncertainty may be looming over Nigeria as billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote warns that the escalating Middle East crisis may push workers out of offices and back into their homes amid rising economic pressure. After a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos on Monday, Dangote said the ripple effects […]

A fresh wave of economic uncertainty may be looming over Nigeria as billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote warns that the escalating Middle East crisis may push workers out of offices and back into their homes amid rising economic pressure.

After a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos on Monday, Dangote said the ripple effects of unstable oil prices could hit African economies hard, especially those already struggling with financial pressures.

He explained that many citizens across the continent rely on daily earnings, making it difficult to cope with rising costs. If the crisis continues, he said, governments may have no choice but to introduce restrictions similar to those seen during the COVID-19 period, including remote work policies.

Using Indonesia as an example, Dangote noted that some countries have already reduced working days due to energy constraints. He warned that a prolonged crisis could push authorities to completely shut down physical workplaces.

Dangote stressed that Africa could face serious economic pain despite having no direct role in the conflict. He added that price increases driven by opportunistic market behavior could worsen the situation, leaving governments unable to match rising living costs with higher salaries.

He particularly pointed to the struggles of small business operators, including artisans and producers who depend on fuel to power their operations. According to him, these groups would feel the strongest impact if energy prices continue to climb.

Calling for urgent global action, Dangote urged leaders and citizens to seek solutions that will bring the crisis to an end.

On a positive note, he praised President Tinubu’s recent trip to the United Kingdom, describing the £746 million infrastructure deal as a sign of renewed trust in Nigeria.

Dangote also revealed that Nigerian entrepreneurs now have access to funding opportunities through UK Export Finance, a development he believes will boost investment and economic growth.