Dangote Announces Plans for Nigeria’s Largest Seaport in Ogun State
By Patience Ikpeme
Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Industries Limited, has unveiled plans to construct a multi-billion-dollar seaport in Ogun State, set to be the largest in Nigeria.
He also announced the ongoing construction of two new cement production lines in Itori, with a combined capacity of 6 million metric tons per annum (Mta).
Dangote made these disclosure during a courtesy visit to the Ogun State Executive Council, led by Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, in Abeokuta.
He attributed his decision to reinvest in Ogun State to the Abiodun administration’s policies, which focus on attracting investors and fostering a business-friendly environment.
“Ogun State is now one of the most attractive investment destinations in Nigeria, positioning itself as the manufacturing bedrock of the nation,” Dangote stated. “We had previously abandoned our plans for the Olokola Free Trade Zone, but due to your policies, we are back and will work with the state government to build the largest port in the country.”
He acknowledged past setbacks, including the demolition of his company’s factory in Itori, but expressed gratitude for Governor Abiodun’s intervention, which facilitated their return.
Dangote provided an update on the company’s projects, revealing that the Itori cement plant is expanding with two new lines, complementing the existing 12 million Mta plant in Ibeshe.
Upon completion, the combined capacity of Dangote’s cement plants in Ogun State will reach approximately 18 million Mta, establishing the state as a leading cement producer in Africa.
Dangote Cement, a leading African cement producer with a 52.0 million Mta capacity across the continent, conducts 70 percent of its production in Nigeria. The Obajana plant in Kogi State remains the largest in Africa, producing 16.25 million Mta.
Dangote stated the company’s commitment to making Nigeria self-sufficient in essential commodities, noting that the country now meets domestic demand for cement, fertilizer, and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from its 650,000 barrels per day refinery in Ibeju-Lekki.
He stressed the importance of private sector contributions to Nigeria’s growing economy and pledged continued investment in the nation’s development.
Dangote thanked traditional rulers and the Itori community for their support, assuring them of continued corporate social responsibility.
Governor Abiodun expressed his appreciation for Dangote’s return to Ogun State, acknowledging the company’s significant contributions to employment and national development. He praised Dangote’s commitment to Nigeria and welcomed the plan to build the new seaport.
“Today is a historic day,” Governor Abiodun stated. “Not only have you chosen to complete Itori, but you have also decided to develop the biggest port in Nigeria. For this, I thank you.”
He confirmed that the combined cement production from Itori and Ibeshe would make Ogun State the largest cement producer in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. He also acknowledged the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, including the construction of the Inter-change-Papalato-Ilaro road.
Alhaji Dangote and Governor Abiodun subsequently inspected the new cement plant under construction in Itori and the ongoing Papalanto road project. Traditional rulers from Yewaland, led by the Olu of Itori, Oba Abdulfatai Akorede Akamo, also expressed their gratitude for Dangote’s investments and community development initiatives.
