Aliko Dangote’s son-in-law, Jamil Abubakar, takes leadership role at Dangote Group

Jamil Mohammed Abubakar, son-in-law of Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote, has been appointed Managing Director for Infrastructure and Logistics at Dangote Group Plc, effective April 20, as the group moves to strengthen its trade and logistics operations across Africa.

The appointment, shared on Abubakar’s verified LinkedIn account, comes as Dangote Group pursues its Vision 2030 plan to expand its industrial footprint and build a pan-African logistics and port network. The strategy is aimed at supporting exports, improving supply chains, and helping the group reach its goal of becoming a $100 billion giant by the end of the decade.

Abubakar will report to Dangote and oversee the group’s ports and trade-enabling infrastructure projects. His role includes evaluating new port opportunities, improving logistics capacity, and supporting manufacturing and energy operations across Nigeria and other African markets.

His appointment reflects Dangote Group’s growing focus on logistics as it ramps up production at key facilities, including the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, fertilizer plants, and cement operations across Africa. Stronger logistics capacity is expected to reduce transportation costs, improve delivery timelines, and support exports from Nigeria to regional markets.

Pilot, executive, investment board leader

Abubakar brings more than 14 years of experience in commercial aviation. He holds a bachelor’s degree in information systems and multimedia, with a background in business information technology, and has completed several aviation and management training programs. He has worked with IRS Airlines, Azman Air, NG Eagle, and XE Jets.

He previously served as Chief Pilot at Azman Air and NG Eagle, where he oversaw flight operations, safety management, and fleet coordination. His experience in operations and safety is expected to support the group’s logistics planning and execution.

Beyond aviation, Abubakar has held governance and investment roles. He currently serves as a board member of Greenview Development Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Dangote Industries Limited. He also served as director at Aximites Energy Limited between 2013 and 2019.

In the public sector, he served as non-executive chairman of the Zamfara State Investment and Property Development Company and the Zamfara State Directorate of Investment and Public-Private Partnerships from 2021 to 2023.

Dangote’s daughters take leadership roles

Abubakar’s appointment follows recent leadership changes within Dangote Group. Earlier this year, Dangote appointed his daughters Halima, Fatima, and Mariya to key executive roles as part of a broader succession and expansion plan. The appointments signal Dangote’s push to strengthen leadership as the conglomerate expands across manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure, with logistics expected to play a central role in supporting growth across Africa.

Fatima Aliko Dangote now oversees commercial operations across the group’s energy businesses, including Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, fertilizer operations, and West African Exploration and Production Company’s upstream division. Her responsibilities also include corporate communications, administration, facilities, and group procurement.

(shore Africa)