Aliko Dangote, the billionaire industrialist and founder of the Dangote Group, has advocated for Nigeria to put an end to medical tourism by investing heavily in its own pharmaceutical sector. He made this statement during a panel conversation at the Goalkeepers 2025 gathering, hosted by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which took place in Lagos on Wednesday.

During the event, Dangote emphasized the necessity of transforming the country’s health sector so that citizens—regardless of social class—can access quality care within Nigeria.

“It’s Time Nigerians Get Treated at Home,” Dangote Declares

Calling for a national shift, Dangote criticized the widespread habit of seeking medical attention abroad. He stressed that Nigeria must begin producing essential medicines locally and build a robust healthcare system that serves everyone, including the country’s elite.

“We have to eliminate the culture of flying out for treatment every time we fall ill,” he said.

“The solution is local—we need to manufacture our own pharmaceuticals. Everyone, including the wealthy, should be able to receive adequate care here at home.”

He further urged a strategic partnership with Bill Gates and the Gates Foundation to support this health sector overhaul.

A History of Collaborative Progress in Public Health

Dangote highlighted how the Dangote Foundation has worked closely with the Gates Foundation in the past to achieve meaningful outcomes, including the successful eradication of polio in Nigeria and the advancement of nutrition initiatives.

These achievements, according to Dangote, demonstrate the power of combining local commitment with international support to solve pressing health challenges.

From Importer to Exporter: Nigeria’s Industrial Transformation

Switching focus to economic development, the business tycoon outlined how the Dangote Group has played a central role in reversing Nigeria’s heavy dependence on imported goods.

“At one point, Nigeria ranked as the second-biggest importer of cement in the world,” he recalled.

“Today, thanks to our investments, we’re now the largest exporter of cement on the African continent.”

In the agriculture sector, Dangote explained how Nigerian farmers once faced serious difficulties in accessing fertilizer. But that problem has been tackled with the construction of one of the world’s largest fertilizer plants, developed entirely by his group.

“Today, we’re not just self-sufficient—we send 37 percent of our fertilizer output to the United States,” he announced.

Dangote Refinery Reshapes Nigeria’s Oil Landscape

Highlighting another milestone, Dangote spoke about the game-changing role of his 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery in Lagos. He revealed that in May 2025 alone, the Dangote Refinery shipped out 400,000 metric tons of refined petrol.

“This project has completely altered Nigeria’s fuel reality,” he said.

“We’ve officially stopped importing petrol. We’re now refining and exporting our own fuel.”

This major development not only ends Nigeria’s dependence on foreign petrol but also improves national energy security and reduces pressure on foreign exchange reserves.

Gates Foundation Hosts First-Ever Goalkeepers Event in Lagos

The Goalkeepers 2025 Summit, hosted for the first time in Nigeria by the Gates Foundation, brought together global changemakers to review progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The gathering placed a strong spotlight on issues like universal health access, climate action, nutrition, and sustainable economic development, with Nigeria serving as a case study in rising African innovation.

Notable Attendees and Political Leaders

Joining Dangote and Bill Gates at the summit were several top Nigerian political leaders and stakeholders in development, including:

• Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State

• Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State

• Policymakers, philanthropists, and media figures from around the world

Their participation reinforced the importance of local leadership in achieving both national and global development targets.

A Call for National Self-Reliance

Dangote concluded his remarks by urging Nigeria to embrace a future of domestic innovation, industrial capacity, and healthcare independence. According to him, the country already has the talent, resources, and partners necessary to solve its biggest challenges—what’s missing is decisive action.

“We’ve shown what’s possible in cement, agriculture, and energy. It’s time we do the same for healthcare,” he insisted.

With strong local initiatives and the support of global allies, Nigeria can become not just a consumer—but a creator and exporter—of solutions across industries.

His message resonated as a challenge to policymakers and business leaders alike: Nigeria must look inward, build boldly, and lead Africa into a new era of self-sufficiency and prosperity.