Davido, Dangote Take Refinery IPO Global With Times Square Billboard Campaign

Afrobeats star Davido and billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote have taken the campaign for the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) to one of the world’s most iconic advertising locations, appearing together beneath a giant Nasdaq digital billboard in New York’s Times Square. The high-profile appearance has given the refinery’s public offer international visibility while celebrating one of Nigeria’s biggest industrial achievements.

The massive billboard illuminated Times Square with the message “Made in Nigeria. Built for the World,” alongside images of the Lekki-based refinery. Videos shared by Davido on social media showed the singer and Dangote waving to onlookers, pointing at the display and giving thumbs-up signs as crowds gathered to record the moment.

The campaign comes as the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals continues its ongoing IPO, which opened on September 14 and is scheduled to close on October 13, 2026. The offer comprises 4.1 billion ordinary shares priced at ₦525 each, with a minimum subscription of 10 shares worth ₦5,250, making it accessible to retail investors across Nigeria and other eligible African markets.

During their interaction in New York, Davido asked Dangote why ordinary Nigerians should consider investing in the refinery. Dangote responded that broader ownership was central to his vision of creating wealth across the continent.

“It is very important, David, because that’s the only way to spread prosperity and wealth throughout Africa. This is not going to be the first and the last. By the time we finish listing, every single African will own part of our businesses,” Dangote said.

The refinery’s IPO has been widely described as Africa’s largest public share offering, with a target of raising about ₦2.15 trillion. The 650,000-barrel-per-day facility has transformed Nigeria from a major importer of refined petroleum products into an emerging exporter of petrol, diesel, aviation fuel and other refined products, making the share offer a landmark moment for the country’s capital market.

Financial analysts say the Times Square campaign reflects a broader strategy to position the refinery as both a Nigerian industrial asset and a globally recognized brand. By pairing one of Africa’s most influential entertainers with its most prominent businessman, the promotion reaches audiences far beyond traditional investment circles, blending culture, business and national branding in a single campaign.

Davido has previously spoken about his longstanding relationship with the Dangote family, describing Aliko Dangote as a family friend who has known him since birth. Their appearance together in New York has since gone viral, generating widespread reactions from Nigerians who view the campaign as a symbol of homegrown success on the global stage.

Beyond promoting an IPO, the Times Square display represents a powerful statement about Nigeria’s growing industrial ambition. As the refinery opens its ownership to the public, the campaign seeks to inspire wider participation in wealth creation while projecting a bold message that African-built enterprises can compete confidently on the world stage.