By Ghazali Ibrahim
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has warned that Nigerians could be forced to return to work-from-home arrangements if the ongoing Middle East crisis involving the United States and Iran continues to escalate.
Dangote made the remarks after a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing concern over the economic impact of rising global oil prices triggered by the conflict.
He said prolonged instability could push African countries into adopting measures similar to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We will do like that time of COVID, where people will work from home,” Dangote said.
According to him, some countries are already considering such steps to cope with energy shocks.
He cited examples where governments have reduced working days or are planning full remote work policies due to rising costs.
Dangote warned that Africa, despite not being directly involved in the conflict, would bear significant economic consequences due to its dependence on global energy markets.
He noted that many Nigerians rely on daily income and could be severely affected by disruptions to economic activity.
The billionaire also raised concerns about inflation, saying rising fuel and transport costs could worsen living conditions, especially as governments may struggle to increase wages in line with price hikes.
The warning comes amid growing global fears that the US–Iran tensions could further disrupt oil supply chains, drive up energy prices, and trigger broader economic challenges, particularly in developing economies.
