I’d Rather Go to Prison Than Lose My Phone— Dangote Reveals He Has Over 13,000 Contacts

According to a report by Ghbase News on Tuesday October 20, 2026, African billionaire and industrialist Aliko Dangote has revealed that he keeps more than 13,000 contacts on his mobile phone and rarely blocks people, a habit that allows many individuals to reach him directly.

The business mogul made the revelation during an event in Lagos, Nigeria, where he unveiled his ambitious “Vision 2030” plan aimed at advancing Africa’s industrial revolution and strengthening the continent’s economic independence.

Dangote’s comments offered a glimpse into his personal communication habits, particularly his approach to maintaining contact with people despite his demanding schedule as one of Africa’s most prominent businessmen.

According to the industrialist, he has retained the same phone number for years and does not usually block people who have access to it.

This, he explained, means that a large number of individuals can contact him directly, and he often makes an effort to answer their calls.

“I hardly… I don’t like blocking people, so a lot of people have my number and, eh, so, you know, I answer my calls,” he said.

His statement suggests that, despite his position in the business world and the responsibilities associated with managing a vast industrial empire, Dangote has maintained an open approach to communication.

With more than 13,000 contacts reportedly saved on his phone, the billionaire appears to have built an extensive network of personal and professional connections.

His decision to keep the same number for years also means that people who have had his contact details for a long time can continue reaching him without necessarily having to obtain new information.

However, it was his response to a question about being separated from his phone that generated another striking moment during the event.

Dangote was asked to choose between spending a week without his mobile phone and losing access to his private jet for the same period. His response highlighted just how important the device is to his daily life and communication.

Rather than expressing concern about losing access to his private jet, the industrialist jokingly suggested that taking away his phone would be a far more difficult experience to endure.

“I think it’s easier you put me in prison than to take my phone away. Taking my phone away is no-go area,” he said.

The remark drew attention to the central role mobile communication plays in the life of a businessman whose activities extend across multiple industries and markets.

For someone managing major investments and business interests, a mobile phone can serve as an essential tool for coordinating operations, communicating with associates and responding to important developments.

Dangote’s comments, however, also appeared to reflect a personal attachment to the device beyond its practical business functions.

His revelation came as he presented his “Vision 2030” agenda, which focuses on Africa’s industrial transformation. The plan places the continent’s industrial development at the centre of discussions about its economic future.

Dangote has long been associated with large-scale investments in sectors such as cement, fertiliser, energy and manufacturing.

His industrial ventures have contributed to ongoing conversations about Africa’s capacity to expand local production, reduce dependence on imports and create more opportunities for economic growth.

Although the event focused on his broader industrial ambitions, his comments about his phone offered an informal look at the personal habits of the billionaire.

His humorous comparison between losing his phone and being imprisoned has since provided a memorable talking point, particularly because of the contrast between the private jet associated with his wealth and the mobile device he considers indispensable.

Ultimately, Dangote’s remarks underscored his preference for remaining accessible to people who have his number, while revealing that, even for one of Africa’s wealthiest businessmen, being without a phone for an entire week would be an unwelcome prospect.

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