“Nigeria is one of only three countries — along with Afghanistan and Pakistan — that remains blighted by polio,” Aliko Dangote, founder and CEO of the Dangote Group and chair of the Dangote Foundation, writes in a Project Syndicate opinion piece. He notes Nigeria is “one of Africa’s most developed countries,” “the largest recipient of foreign direct investment in Africa,” home to “thriving Nigerian businesses,” and “will soon surpass South Africa to become Africa’s largest economy.” However, “Nigerians cannot hope to lead Africa, economically or otherwise, while neglecting to eliminate preventable diseases like polio,” he writes.

Dangote, who is from Kano, Nigeria, notes he is “working with the Nigerian government and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to take needed — and long-overdue — action to eradicate polio in the country.” He continues, “Vaccination is one of the best investments a country can make. Provided adequate funding, solid infrastructure, and genuine commitment from the country’s leaders, every child in Nigeria could be immunized against a range of diseases.” Dangote concludes, “With enough support from international partners, Nigerians can finally achieve this goal” (12/18).