Aliko Dangote, chairman of the Dangote Group, on Friday received an award from the State House Press Corps for his investments supporting reforms in Nigeria’s oil-and‑gas sector, a recognition that comes as the government presses ahead with changes to the industry.
The award was part of events marking the inaugural 2026 presidential press corps dinner on July 2, an evening attended by President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Dr. Anule Emmanuel, chairman of the SHPC, and members of the corps presented the plaque at the presidential villa.
Dangote was unable to attend the dinner as his handlers confirmed he travelled abroad for and official engagement.
The African richest-man met in a closed door with President Tinubu at the presidential villa.
The ceremony also recognized a string of public figures for their roles in governance, economic initiatives, and leadership.
Among other honorees were Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory; Tony Elumelu, chairman of the Tony Elumelu Foundation; Atiku Bagudu, minister of budget and economic planning; Olubunmi Tunji‑Ojo, minister of interior; and Olusegun Adeniyi, former special adviser on media and publicity to the president.
The award underscores private-sector participation in President Tinubu’s agenda to reform Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, a key pillar of efforts to boost investment and reduce fiscal pressures stemming from subsidy burdens and foreign-exchange constraints.
