Amanze Chinonye
Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man and president of Dangote Group, has submitted formal documentation to begin construction of what is expected to be Nigeria’s largest deep seaport in Olokola, Ogun State.
This comes after a long delay in the development of the infrastructure project, which has a significant economic potential for the region and the country at large.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe move, which marks a return to the Olokola Free Trade Zone after years of dormancy, follows a strategic meeting between Dangote and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun at the Government House in Abeokuta.
Dangote attributed the renewed interest in the project to recent pro-investment reforms and a more conducive business environment in the state. “We are returning to Olokola because the environment is now right,” he stated.
The proposed Atlantic-facing seaport, which will be the deepest and most expansive in Nigeria, is expected to decongest overstretched port infrastructure in Lagos, boost non-oil exports, and serve as a logistics backbone for Dangote’s growing industrial empire, including cement and fertiliser production, petrochemicals, and energy ventures.
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Sources within the Dangote Group said preliminary groundwork and regulatory permits are already underway, with construction expected to commence once final approvals are secured. The site, located about 100 kilometers from Dangote’s fertiliser and petrochemical hub in Lagos, is strategically positioned to link existing operations through a broader export and logistics framework.
Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of the Group, confirmed that the new port will play a central role in the company’s planned expansion into liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. The plan involves constructing pipelines from Nigeria’s gas-rich Niger Delta to the Olokola shoreline. “We want to do a major project to bring more gas than what NLNG is doing today,” Edwin said, referring to Nigeria LNG Ltd., the joint venture currently leading the continent’s LNG exports.
The decision to return to Olokola also marks a resolution of earlier tensions with local authorities that had forced Dangote to abandon initial plans for his refinery and fertiliser projects at the same location. Those projects were eventually relocated to the Lekki Free Zone in Lagos. Governor Abiodun, welcoming the renewed partnership, assured Dangote of the state’s full support in facilitating major industrial investments.
In addition to the seaport, Dangote announced a major upgrade to his cement manufacturing operations in Ogun. A new production line with a capacity of 6 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) is to be added at the Itori plant, complementing the existing 12 MTPA capacity at Ibeshe. Combined, this brings the group’s total cement output in Ogun State to 18 million metric tonnes per year, further entrenching the state’s role as a cornerstone in Nigeria’s construction and infrastructure sectors.
READ ALSO: Dangote Cement’s Market Valuation Drops As BUA Cement, Lafarge Record Growth
Dangote also disclosed plans to begin domestic fuel distribution in August using a fleet of 4,000 gas-powered trucks. The development has triggered debate over potential monopolistic tendencies in Nigeria’s downstream oil market, an accusation the company has denied.
As Dangote Group continues to consolidate its pan-African footprint in cement, fertiliser, energy, and logistics. The Olokola Deep Seaport project is poised to be a strategic game changer not only for Ogun State but for Nigeria’s broader effort to strengthen trade infrastructure and attract foreign direct investment.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
