By Taibat Ummi Yakubu

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has called on residents of the state to consider investing in the ongoing Dangote Petroleum Refinery share offer, saying greater local ownership would enable Kano people to play a more active role in Nigeria’s growing industrial economy.

Sanusi made the appeal in Kano during the launch of the refinery’s share subscription campaign, where he encouraged residents to take advantage of the opportunity to participate in the ownership of one of Nigeria’s major industrial investments.

The Emir described Kano as one of Africa’s historic commercial centres, saying the state’s long tradition of trade and entrepreneurship could be further strengthened if more residents moved beyond conventional trading and became participants in productive investments and the capital market.

He said greater participation in the share offer would give Kano residents an opportunity to become shareholders in a major Nigerian enterprise while deepening financial inclusion across the state.

“I speak as the Emir of Kano; I would like my people to be owners of this company. I do not want us to be left behind in the capital markets. I do not want us to be left behind in financial inclusion. So this is the time and this is the opportunity,” Sanusi said.

While encouraging participation, the former Central Bank governor cautioned residents against putting themselves or their families under financial pressure simply to acquire shares.

He specifically advised prospective investors not to sell essential assets or divert money meant for important family responsibilities into the investment.

“Do not take your children’s school fees and put in shares. Do not sell the house that you live in and put in shares,” he warned.

Sanusi advised residents to invest only funds they could comfortably set aside for a reasonable period, noting that investment decisions should be taken within the limits of an individual’s financial capacity.

He cited smaller amounts as examples of what people could consider investing if they could genuinely afford to keep the money committed for some time.

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“But what you can afford, 10,000, 20,000, 30,000 — what you can afford to set aside for some time, set it aside,” he said.

He added that investors should consider the underlying fundamentals of an investment and understand that returns in the capital market are generally linked to longer-term performance rather than immediate gains.

At the event, Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, also encouraged Nigerians to participate in the share offer, describing it as an opportunity for ordinary citizens to become part owners of the refinery.

Dangote said the ownership scheme was designed to extend participation beyond wealthy investors, allowing people from different walks of life to acquire a stake in the industrial project.

He cited workers and everyday Nigerians, including drivers, cooks and managers, among those who could participate in the offer, reinforcing the message that ownership of major Nigerian businesses should not be limited to a small group of investors.

For Kano, the initiative carries additional significance given the city’s longstanding commercial relationship with the Dangote business empire and its large network of traders, entrepreneurs and investors.

Sanusi’s appeal therefore places the share offer within a broader conversation about financial inclusion and the need for residents to participate not only in buying and selling goods but also in owning stakes in major businesses driving Nigeria’s industrial development.

The launch attracted prominent businessmen and stakeholders, including Dr Goni Farouk Umar, Alhaji Tajuddeen Aminu Dantata, A.B. Mahmud, SAN, Alhaji Sabi’u Bako and Tilewa Adebajo, alongside other business figures from Kano and beyond.

The message from the event was twofold: Kano residents were encouraged to explore the opportunity to participate in the refinery’s ownership, but were equally reminded that investment should not come at the expense of essential family needs or financial stability.