A lot of successful businessmen have their grass-to-grace story Alhaji Mangal’s rise from a truck driver to a multi-billionaire is one that will inspire a lot of people from all walks of life Mangal is an astute businessman from the north like Aliko Dangote, Abdulsamad Rabiu and Aminu Dantata
Successful businesses don’t just happen. It usually takes a smart business idea being executed by a shrewd businessman for that to come into existence. Particularly for an environment such as Nigeria’s where businesses are daily confronted with challenges that threaten their survival. The likes of Aliko Dangote, Abdulsamad Rabiu and Aminu Dantata are notable businessmen from the northern part of Nigeria who have surmounted these challenges, establishing business empires that are today employing thousands of Nigerians.
Joining the league of astute businessmen from the north is Dahiru Mangal, who was recently conferred with the honor of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) by President Muhammadu Buhari for his contribution to the growth of the business sector in Nigeria.
Growing up in Katsina
Going into business Mangal has always had the ambition of becoming a successful businessman, hence his foray into the transportation business. He started out as a truck driver and from then on, bought his vehicles to hire out. In a few years, Mangal was able to establish himself as a reputable businessman, branching into several other businesses across different sectors in Nigeria.
One major advantage for him was his ability to strike friendships with the movers and shakers of the society in Katsina State and across Nigeria. His association with government officials, both military and civilian exposed him to legitimate businesses and benefits of contracts from the government, paving the way for a business conglomerate.
Business ventures Today,
Mangal’s business interests cut across transportation, construction, and oil and gas. In 2006, he founded Max Air (formerly known as Mangal Airlines), a leading Nigerian airline that operates domestic, regional and international flights In collaboration with a Chinese firm, Mangal Industries Limited is currently constructing a 3 million metric tons per year cement plant in Kogi State. The project which is slated to be completed in 2024 is put at a total cost of $600 million. This is what he said 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.
