Nigerian billionaire and industrialist Aliko Dangote has announced ambitious plans to construct Nigeria’s largest seaport at the Olokola Free Trade Zone in Ogun State, a move expected to revolutionize the nation’s maritime sector.
During a high-level meeting with Governor Dapo Abiodun and top Ogun State officials on Monday, Dangote confirmed that his company would take over the long-abandoned Olokola Seaport project and bring it to fruition. He emphasized that the development of the port aligns with his commitment to driving economic growth and boosting Nigeria’s trade capacity.
The proposed seaport, once completed, will be the largest in the country, providing a major boost to logistics, enhancing import and export efficiency, and positioning Nigeria as a dominant regional trade hub.
Beyond the seaport, Dangote also revealed plans for a significant expansion of cement production in Ogun State. He disclosed that two additional cement production lines are currently under construction at Itori, which will further strengthen the state’s manufacturing sector and increase its economic output.
The new cement production facilities will have a combined annual capacity of six million metric tons, adding to the existing 12 million metric ton plant at Ibeshe, further solidifying Ogun State’s position as a major cement-producing hub in Africa.
Addressing the past challenges faced by his company in Ogun State, Dangote recounted how the Itori factory had been demolished twice, forcing them to abandon the project temporarily. However, he acknowledged Governor Abiodun’s role in creating a more business-friendly environment that encouraged them to resume operations.
“Our factory at Itori was pulled down twice. When we restarted the second time, not only was the factory demolished again, but even the fence was taken down. So we left. But now, because of His Excellency, our governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, we are back and fully committed,” Dangote stated.
Governor Dapo Abiodun praised Dangote’s decision to reinvest in Ogun State, stating that the expansion of cement production and the construction of the seaport would significantly enhance the state’s industrial landscape. He noted that with a total projected cement output of 18 million metric tons annually, Ogun State would become the largest cement producer in sub-Saharan Africa.
“The way you selflessly continue to promote this country all over the world, we can’t thank you enough,” Governor Abiodun told Dangote, acknowledging his contributions to Nigeria’s economic development.
Dangote also shared insights into his company’s overall cement production capacity across Africa. He revealed that 70% of Dangote Cement’s total production on the continent takes place in Nigeria, with the Obajana plant in Kogi State alone producing an impressive 16.25 million metric tons per year.
Following the meeting, Dangote and a delegation of Ogun State officials embarked on an inspection tour of the Itori cement plant construction site. They also visited the Papalanto concrete-paved road project, which is currently being developed under the federal government’s tax credit scheme.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, including traditional rulers such as the Olu of Itori, Oba Abdulfatai Akorede Akamo, who expressed their support for the massive infrastructural developments underway in the state.