Nigerian tycoon Chief Alhaji Dahiru Mangal is renowned for founding Max Air, Nigeria’s leading airline. His latest venture, however, is set to challenge established industry giants like Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, and Abdul Samad Rabiu.
Mangal recently commenced production at his $1.5 billion cement plant, touted as one of Africa’s largest. This plant, capable of producing 6,000 tons of cement daily, aims to revolutionise the local cement industry and create 10,000 new direct and indirect jobs.
Despite initial financial challenges and currency fluctuations that raised the project cost from $600 million to $1.5 billion, Mangal Industries, in partnership with China-based Sinoma International Engineering, saw the project through to completion.
“This factory will employ the latest technology and adhere to the highest environmental standards. It is part of our ambitious program to address Nigeria’s infrastructure and housing deficits while demonstrating our confidence in the region’s economic outlook,” Mangal noted.
Mangal’s business interests extend beyond construction and transportation, including oil, gas, and power sectors. His story is a classic “grass to grace” narrative. With a knack for networking, Mangal leveraged his partnerships with the who’s who in society to build a successful and diversified empire.
Mangal’s net worth is estimated to be $2 billion, though it is believed to be much higher, as is common with many African tycoons.
Early life and education
Dahiru Barau Mangal was born on August 3, 1957, in Katsina, Katsina State, to Alhaji Barau Mangal and Hajiya Murjanatu Barau Mangal.
He grew up with his siblings Alhaji Bashir Barau Mangal, Alhaji Hamza Barau Mangal, Hajiya Zulai Barau Mangal, and Hajiya Yar Goje in Katsina.
Mangal attended Gafai Primary School and later enrolled at Katsina Arabic Teachers College, where he earned a Higher Islamic Certificate in 1976.
Determined to make something of himself, Mangal began working as a truck driver after completing his education. Over time, he saved enough money to buy a car, which he used to start a car hire business. This marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey.
Mangal had a knack for networking, which went a long way in helping him secure valuable business contracts. He leveraged strategic partnerships with influential figures in Katsina State, paving the way for his business empire. Over the years, he has built a diverse portfolio of businesses, including Katsina Dyeing and Printing Textiles Limited, where he serves as Chairman and CEO. He also recently established a rice milling plant and a fertilizer plant.
Max Air
In 2008, Mangal founded Max Air, initially launched as Mangal Airlines in 2006. The airline quickly expanded from operating with two Boeing 747-400 aircraft to becoming a major player in Nigeria’s aviation industry, offering domestic, regional, and international flights.
Mangal continues to serve as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Max Air Limited, overseeing the operations of his vast business empire, which includes AFDIN Group (Nigeria) Limited, AFDIN Construction Company Nigeria Limited, Manasawa Oil, Mangal Oil, and Manasawa Enterprises.
Mangal’s cement plant
In 2021, Mangal conceived the idea of a cement production plant to break into Nigeria’s construction industry, which Dangote Cement has dominated for years.
The business magnate partnered with Chinese firm Sinoma International Engineering to establish the plant, which recently started production. They also agreed to construct a 50-megawatt captive power plant in Moba, Kogi State.
Mangal’s other investments include transportation, oil and gas, and construction. He was a Non-Executive Director of MRS Oil Nigeria Plc until he resigned on November 17, 2017.
Oando Plc
He was also a major shareholder in Oando Plc, a Nigerian multinational energy company, where he had a conflict with the firm’s management that led to the suspension of Oando’s trading on both the Lagos and Johannesburg stock exchanges.
The conflict arose in 2017 when Mangal and a Gabriel Volpi-controlled shell company wrote a petition to the Nigerian Securities Exchange Commission alleging financial mismanagement by Oando’s management.
This prompted an audit by the commission, citing concerns about possible insider trading. The conflict was resolved in 2018, with Mangal withdrawing his petition to the SEC. About four years later, in 2021, Mangal sold his 15.83% stake in Oando to Leaf Investment & Realtors Limited, a Lagos-based investment firm, for $24.1 million.
Philanthropy and awards
Mangal’s contributions to his country earned him the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) award from former President Muhammadu Buhari. This is one of the most notable awards and recognitions the businessman has received.
Beyond his business ventures, Mangal is committed to philanthropy and infrastructural development. He has supported various charitable causes, aiding students, individuals with disabilities, and internally displaced persons.
Some of his recent projects include a rice processing mill and fertilizer blending plants in Katsina State, further contributing to local economic development and job creation. Moreover, in June, Mangal, through his NGO, Mangal Foundation, sponsored the medical treatment of 3,500 patients in his Katsina State.
Family
Mangal was married to Hajiya Aisha Mangal, who passed away after a brief illness on July 15, 2023. Tragically, the tycoon also lost his son in a grisly bike accident in 2021.
That said, the businessman has several kids including a daughter, Nafisa Dahiru Mangai, who got married a few months ago.
