Dangote Begins Initial Work on Africa’s Largest Deep Sea Port
By Patience Ikpeme
Dangote Industries Limited has started the first major steps to build what will become the biggest deep sea port in Africa.
The multi-billion-dollar project spans a massive 10,000 hectares of land at the Olokola Free Trade Zone, covering the Ogun Waterside Local Government Area in Ogun State and extending down to the Ilaje Local Government Area in Ondo State.
The megaproject is the heart of the company’s “Vision 2030” plan. Through this expansion into shipping and port business, the Dangote Group wants to grow its yearly revenue to 100 billion dollars and become one of the top 100 companies in the whole world over the next five years.
Managing Director of Infrastructure and Logistics for Dangote Industries Limited, Captain Jamil Abubakar, led a team of land surveyors and environment experts to visit the host communities over the weekend. He told the happy villagers that the port is designed to be a massive gateway for businesses to ship out fertilizers, chemicals, and fuel made in Nigeria to the rest of the world, while also making it easy to bring in heavy machinery for new factories.
“The Olokola Port project is a major step in opening up Nigeria’s economic potential, strengthening trade, reducing pressure on existing ports and supporting industrial growth,” Captain Abubakar said during the visit. He added that the deep sea port will change the lives of the local people for good. “It will create real opportunities for host communities through jobs, business activities and long-term developments across both Ogun and Ondo states. With its strategic location, Olokola would serve as a key gateway for exports and imports, boosting Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global trade. This project reflects our commitment to building infrastructure that benefits both the people and the economy at large,” he stated.
During the tour, the traditional ruler of Ode-Omi in Ogun State, Oba Folailu Adekunle Hassan, welcomed the team alongside his chiefs and youth leaders. The king gave the company full permission to bring in their equipment and start mapping out the land. He noted that the community will count the houses and farmlands so that everyone affected will get proper compensation and settlement money.
“We have been expecting you for long. It is good that you are here today. Do your best and we will all benefit from this process,” the Oba said, promising that the youths would ensure total peace for the workers on site.
The Dangote team also traveled to the Araromi Seaside Kingdom in Ondo State to brief the community leaders. The Alara of Araromi Seaside, Oba Adeoloye Olawole, expressed great excitement about the development. “We can’t wait for this project to commence. We are going to give you physical and spiritual support. If it is possible for this project to begin tomorrow, you are welcome,” the monarch said.
To ensure tight security for the multi-billion-dollar investment, the Dangote management visited the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State. The Acting Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander A.A. Makinwa, received them and promised that the Navy would fully cooperate with the company to protect the port for the economic growth of the country.
When completed, the Olokola Deep Seaport is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for Nigerians, attract heavy foreign investments, and position Nigeria as the main shipping hub for the entire African continent under the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement.
