Dahiru Mangal Biography: Early Life, Age, Businesses, Net Worth

Let’s uncover the inspiring Dahiru Mangal biography.

Dahiru Barau Mangal, born on August 3, 1957, in Katsina State, Nigeria, is a prominent businessman and philanthropist.

He is best known as the founder of Max Air, one of Nigeria’s leading airlines. Over the years, he has built a reputation as a key player in various industries, including transportation, oil and gas, and construction.

Dahiru Mangal Biography Summary

Early Life of Dahiru Mangal

Dahiru Mangal was born into a modest family in Katsina State, Nigeria.

His parents, Alhaji Barau Mangal and Hajiya Murjanatu Barau Mangal, instilled in him values of hard work, discipline, and resilience.

Growing up alongside his siblings, including Alhaji Bashir Barau Mangal and Alhaji Hamza Barau Mangal, Dahiru experienced the challenges of a humble upbringing in Northern Nigeria.

He began his education at Gafai Primary School, where he demonstrated a keen interest in academics and leadership. After completing his primary education in 1971, he furthered his studies at the Katsina Arabic Teachers College.

Here, he received a blend of conventional and Islamic education, which shaped his ethical and entrepreneurial mindset. Dahiru graduated in 1976, ready to take on the challenges of the professional world.

During his early years, Dahiru’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident.

He often assisted his family with small trading ventures and developed a knack for identifying business opportunities. This early exposure to commerce laid the groundwork for his future successes.

Despite limited resources, his determination to succeed never wavered, making his journey a testament to perseverance and ambition.

Dahiru Mangal Career Beginnings

After completing his education, Dahiru Mangal started his career as a truck driver. This humble beginning marked the start of his entrepreneurial journey.

Recognizing the opportunities in the transportation sector, he gradually acquired his own truck and began offering hire services. Over time, he expanded his fleet, establishing a transportation business that would serve as the foundation for his future ventures.

Dahiru Mangal Business Ventures

Founding Max Air

In 2008, Dahiru Mangal founded Max Air, which has grown to become one of Nigeria’s leading airlines. The airline operates domestic, regional, and international flights, serving millions of passengers annually.

Max Air is renowned for its reliability, customer service, and strategic expansion into various routes. Under his leadership, the airline has introduced innovations in the aviation industry, including the modernization of its fleet with state-of-the-art aircraft.

Diversification into Other Sectors

Beyond aviation, Dahiru Mangal’s business interests span multiple industries:

• Oil and Gas:

Dahiru Mangal has made significant investments in the oil and gas sector, establishing a reputation as a key player.

He served as a Non-Executive Director of MRS Oil Nigeria Plc until 2017. His ventures include oil marketing and distribution networks that ensure the availability of petroleum products across Nigeria. His strategic focus on energy security has contributed to the growth of this critical sector in the country.

Mangal was also a significant shareholder in Oando Plc. In 2017, he raised concerns about the company’s management, leading to regulatory scrutiny. The dispute was amicably resolved in January 2018.

Later, in 2021, he sold his 15.83% stake in Oando to Leaf Investment & Realtors Limited for $24.1 million.

• Construction:

Through his investments in construction, Dahiru Mangal has played a vital role in Nigeria’s infrastructure development.

His partnerships with various firms have resulted in projects ranging from roads to public buildings. His construction ventures emphasize quality and long-term impact, making him a trusted name in this sector.

• Cement Production:

In November 2021, Mangal Industries signed an agreement to construct a $600 million cement plant and power facility in Mopa, Kogi State. The plant, which began producing its first bags of cement in July 2024, is a milestone for Nigeria’s industrial sector.

With a production capacity of millions of tons annually, this venture not only meets local demand but also creates employment opportunities and boosts the economy.

Dahiru Mangal’s vision for self-reliance in cement production underscores his commitment to industrialization.

Dahiru Mangal Personal Life

Dahiru Mangal is a private individual who values his family. He is married and has children, including Barrister Abba Dahiru Mangal, who plays an active role in some of the family’s business ventures.

In November 2024, Dahiru hosted a grand wedding for his daughter, Zainab, who married Alhaji Atiku Ibrahim in Katsina State.

The event, attended by dignitaries from across Nigeria, highlighted his strong ties to his community and his commitment to family traditions.

Despite his busy schedule, Dahiru Mangal maintains a close bond with his family.

He often emphasizes the importance of education and instills in his children the values of humility, hard work, and service to humanity. His lifestyle reflects a balance between professional achievements and personal commitments.

Dahiru Mangal Philanthropy

Dahiru Mangal is widely recognized for his philanthropic efforts. His contributions include:

• Education: He provides scholarships to underprivileged students, enabling them to pursue higher education and achieve their dreams. His support for schools and educational initiatives has improved access to quality education in Northern Nigeria.
• Aid for Vulnerable Groups: Dahiru actively supports individuals with disabilities and internally displaced persons. His initiatives include providing financial assistance, medical aid, and resources to improve their living conditions.
• Community Development: He regularly distributes food and essential resources to communities in Katsina, Kano, and Kaduna states. His interventions during times of crisis, such as floods and other natural disasters, have made a significant difference in the lives of affected families.

These initiatives reflect his deep commitment to improving the lives of others and giving back to society.

Dahiru Mangal Net Worth

While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, Dahiru Mangal is considered one of Nigeria’s wealthiest individuals. His diverse investments across aviation, oil and gas, and construction contribute significantly to his substantial net worth.

Analysts estimate that his financial portfolio places him among the top-tier businessmen in Africa, with continuous growth fueled by his strategic investments.

Recent Developments

Dahiru Mangal’s recent projects underscore his dedication to economic growth and innovation.

The cement plant in Kogi State has positioned him as a pioneer in Nigeria’s industrial landscape. This facility not only meets the nation’s cement needs but also reduces dependence on imports, fostering self-reliance.

In the aviation sector, Max Air has announced plans to expand its operations into more international routes, including the Middle East and Europe. These expansions align with his vision to make Max Air a globally recognized airline.

Additionally, Dahiru Mangal has initiated discussions on renewable energy projects.

These include investments in solar and wind energy to address Nigeria’s power challenges. His forward-thinking approach continues to place him at the forefront of Nigeria’s economic transformation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dahiru Mangal’s background?

Dahiru Mangal was born on August 3, 1957, in Katsina State, Nigeria. He began his career as a truck driver after completing his education and gradually built a diverse business empire spanning aviation, transportation, oil and gas, and construction.

What are Dahiru Mangal’s notable business achievements?

He is best known for founding Max Air, one of Nigeria’s leading airlines. Additionally, he has made significant contributions to the oil and gas industry and recently ventured into cement production with a $600 million plant in Kogi State.

How has Dahiru Mangal contributed to philanthropy?

Dahiru Mangal is recognized for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in Northern Nigeria. He supports education, aids individuals with disabilities, assists internally displaced persons, and regularly distributes food to various communities.

What recent projects has Dahiru Mangal undertaken?

In addition to the cement plant in Kogi State, he continues to expand his business ventures across various sectors, contributing to Nigeria’s economic development.

His plans for renewable energy projects highlight his commitment to addressing the nation’s power challenges.

Dahiru Mangal’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a prominent Nigerian businessman and philanthropist exemplifies determination, strategic investment, and a commitment to societal development.

His story is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and a testament to the impact of resilience and vision.