Aliko Dangote, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Aminu Dantata are renowned businessmen from Nigeria’s northern region who have overcome these hurdles, establishing business empires that now employ thousands of Nigerians.
Dahiru Mangal, who was presented with the distinction of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) by the former President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment to the expansion of Nigeria’s economic sector, has joined the league of astute businesspeople from the north.
Early Life
Mangal was born on August 3, 1957, in Katsina State, to Alhaji Barau Mangal’s family. He attended Gafai Primary School and graduated in 1971. He then went on to earn a Higher Islamic Certificate from Kastina Arabic Teachers College, where he graduated in 1976.
Career
Mangal has always wanted to be a successful businessman, which is why he ventured into the transportation industry. He began as a truck driver and later purchased automobiles to rent out. Mangal was able to establish himself as a reputable businessman in a few years, expanding out into several additional enterprises in Nigeria across several sectors.
His ability to make friends with the movers and shakers of society in Katsina State and across Nigeria was a significant benefit for him. His contacts with government leaders, both military and civilian, introduced him to legitimate firms and the benefits of government contracts, paving the path for a corporate conglomerate.
Business ventures
Mangal’s current business interests span transportation, construction, and oil and gas. He started Max Air (previously Mangal Airlines), a leading Nigerian airline that performs domestic, regional, and international flights, in 2006.
Mangal Industries Limited is currently building a 3 million metric tons per year cement facility in Kogi State in partnership with a Chinese enterprise. The project, which is scheduled to be completed in 2024, is estimated to cost $600 million in total. This is what he had to say about the project.
The factory will rely on best available technology for cement production and in line with highest environmental standards. It is designed to be one of the most sustainable in the sector. Mangal is investing strategically in the West African Cement Industry to enable the Nigerian economy to bridge the huge infrastructure and housing deficit in the largest economy of the region.
Positions served
- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Max Air Limited.
- Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Katsina Dyeing and Printing Textiles Limited.
- Until his resignation in November 2017, Mangal functioned as Non-Executive Director of MRS Oil Nigeria Plc
- He is one of the major shareholders in Oando Plc.
- He is a major shareholder of AFDIN Group Nigeria Ltd.
- He sits on the Board of Massanawa Travel and Tours as an Executive Director.
Personal life
Alhaji Mangal was born into a Muslim family and has been a devout Muslim ever since. His religion strongly encourages charitable giving to the poor, which he has included into his philanthropy. He routinely does humanitarian outreaches around Nigeria, providing scholarships for students and relief to internally displaced persons.
Mangal is a married man with a large family. Lawal Barau Mangal, one of his sons, is a politician and the Executive Director of Max Air. Another of Managal’s sons, Bashir, is the CEO of Max Air.
Net worth
Despite the fact that his official net worth is unknown, Mangal is without a doubt one of Nigeria’s wealthiest billionaires. Mangal’s net worth, according to NewsWire, is around $2.2 billion.
