The Dangote Group has dismissed a widely circulated social media post alleging that the Federal Government takes “52 kobo from every N1 on cement.” The company described the claim as false and misattributed to its chairman, Aliko Dangote.
The post, shared by a Facebook user identified as Idenyi Tijani Julius, suggested that the government earns N6,240 from every bag of cement. It further questioned why the government continues to borrow despite the alleged revenue. The claim quickly spread across platforms, sparking debate about cement pricing and taxation.
In response, the Dangote Group issued a statement via its official X account. The company posted a screenshot of the viral message stamped with the word “FAKE,” distancing its chairman from the remarks. The rebuttal clarified that the statement did not originate from Dangote and should not be attributed to him.
The company’s swift reaction comes at a time of heightened public discourse around cement prices, taxation, and broader economic policies under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Rising costs of building materials have fueled public frustration, with social media users increasingly sharing unverified claims that link pricing to government revenue.
While Dangote Group did not provide further details beyond labeling the claim false, its response underscores growing concerns about misinformation involving prominent business figures. The spread of such claims can influence public opinion on sensitive economic issues, particularly in sectors like construction where cement remains a critical commodity.
By publicly flagging the post as fake, the company sought to protect its reputation and prevent further misrepresentation of its chairman’s views. The incident highlights the importance of verifying information before sharing, especially when it involves national economic matters and influential personalities.
The episode also reflects the broader challenge of combating misinformation in Nigeria’s digital space. As economic debates intensify, companies and government institutions are increasingly forced to respond to viral claims that may distort public understanding of policy and market realities.
