Billionaire Abdul Samad’s 5 Keys to Become Sucessful in Business

Abdul Samad Rabiu is the founder and chairman of BUA Group, a major Nigerian conglomerate involved in manufacturing, infrastructure, and agriculture, generating over $2.5 billion in revenue. 

He also serves as the chairman of the Nigerian Bank of Industry (BOI). BUA Group has interests in various sectors including cement production, sugar refining, and real estate.

In early January 2020, Rabiu combined his private company, Obu Cement, with Cement Co. of Northern Nigeria, which he controlled, to form BUA Cement Plc. This company is now listed on the Nigerian stock exchange, and Rabiu owns 98.2% of it. He also owns 95% of BUA Foods, a publicly traded food conglomerate.

Here are 5 important approaches that shaped Rabiu’s amazing career, offering a guide for people who want to be successful in business.

1. Be Determined to Make a Difference

In business, challenging the usual way of doing things is important. Rabiu didn’t succeed by following the crowd. He always questioned established methods, looked for new solutions, and dared to go where others wouldn’t. He once said:

 “I am quiet but very stubborn. If I want something, I go for it, and if I don’t want it, no amount of pressure will make me do it. Being stubborn is sometimes seen as arrogance, but I don’t think I am an arrogant person.”

2. Plan and Grow Carefully

Rabiu’s company, the BUA Group, didn’t become big overnight. Its growth was due to careful planning and smart expansion. Rabiu shared:

“We started with oil in Kano. We were processing crude palm oil to refine it. We were also getting peanuts from Kano, crushing and processing them. It was a good business at the time because it added value, and people were not used to adding value to anything at all they were importing everything.”

3. Delegate Tasks Wisely

No matter how hard you work, you can’t handle every part of a growing business by yourself. Rabiu understood the importance of surrounding himself with capable people and sharing responsibilities. This not only ensures things run smoothly but also allows leaders to focus on bigger goals. By building a strong team, he was able to grow his businesses effectively.

4. Be Ready to fight for Your Business

The business world is full of challenges, and surviving often means being strong and determined. Rabiu emphasised:

“If you don’t fight back or if you are weak, you will never survive. You have to understand that this is not personal but business, and you have to keep fighting. When they see that you are fighting and not giving up, then they let go.”

5. Protect Your Business Interests

Achieving success isn’t just about making the right moves it’s also about safeguarding your assets and interests. Rabiu highlighted the importance of legal protections, understanding the rules, and making sure your business operates within the law. He told a personal story:

“I knew that we had tough competition from people who had factories, and they were not happy with the government giving us the license because they were making so much money and did not want anyone to enter the business. They were doing everything to frustrate the process. Knowing there would be a problem, I went back to Nigeria, sought an appointment to meet the president, who granted me an audience, and I explained everything to him.”