Dangote’s Wealth Is Built on Government Favouritism — Cosmas Maduka Explodes
Chairman of Coscharis Group, Dr. Cosmas Maduka, has reignited the debate on monopoly, favoritism, and fairness in Nigeria’s business environment, insisting that many of the country’s top billionaires rose to prominence through government-backed privileges rather than pure competition.
Speaking in a recent interview, the auto magnate recalled that in the mid-1980s, he was rated as Nigeria’s top businessman by Concord Newspaper, while Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, was ranked second. But today, the gulf between their fortunes is staggering.
“Dangote can write one cheque and buy everything I have,” Maduka said, “and I am nowhere near him. At that time, only one person had the license to import diesel into Nigeria. Nobody creates a monopoly for you and you don’t become a multi-billionaire.”
Maduka stressed that his grievance is not against the success of others, but against a system that denies equal opportunity. According to him, entrepreneurs across the country are not asking for handouts, but for fair competition.
“What we are asking for as Nigerians is not special favor. Just give us a level playing field. If I succeed, fine. If I fail, fine. But put all of us on the same pitch and let us play. If I am the best player, take me,” he said.
He criticized the controversial federal character principle, which allocates opportunities and positions based on state of origin or region rather than merit.
“Don’t tell me I must bring somebody from Sokoto, or from Anambra, just to balance federal character. That is the problem. If someone from Sokoto is punished, you say another person from Anambra must also be punished. That is not justice,” Maduka declared.
The Coscharis boss argued that Nigeria is blessed with first-class minds across all regions but lamented that until merit becomes the central pillar of governance and economic policy, the nation will continue to lag behind.
“Until Nigeria becomes a country where opportunities are based on equity and the best brains, we will never make progress as a nation,” he warned.
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Maduka’s remarks have stirred conversations across the country, with many Nigerians echoing his concerns about monopolies, favoritism, and the uneven business climate that has made wealth creation an exclusive privilege for a select few.
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