Aliko Dangote, Chairman and CEO of Dangote Group, warns that the ongoing Middle East conflict could force Nigeria and other African countries to adopt COVID-era work-from-home restrictions if the crisis doesn’t de-escalate. Dangote emphasized that the conflict will disproportionately affect ordinary Africans, especially those operating small businesses, like barbers and bread sellers, who rely on daily earnings.

The conflict has triggered concerns about oil price volatility, potentially affecting inflation, transportation costs, and energy-dependent sectors across Africa. Dangote cited Indonesia’s response to energy crisis pressures, where workers are operating only four days a week, and urged global intervention to end the conflict.

Dangote also highlighted the impact of the Middle East crisis on Nigeria’s economy, stating that the country is already burdened by debt and would pay a disproportionate price for a crisis it has no involvement in.