Dangote Industries Limited has announced plans for a major infrastructure project in Nigeria: a multi-billion-dollar deep-sea port at the Olokola Free Trade Zone in Ogun State. The project, covering over 10,000 hectares along Nigeria's Atlantic coastline, represents a significant expansion of the conglomerate's ambitions into maritime logistics, export infrastructure, and regional trade.
Project Scope and Location
The proposed port will stretch from Ogun Waterside Local Government Area in Ogun State toward Ilaje Local Government Area in Ondo State. It is designed to serve as a strategic gateway for imports, exports, and industrial operations, supporting sectors such as fertilisers, petrochemicals, and refined petroleum exports.
Vision 2030 Drives Expansion
The deep-sea port is part of Dangote Industries' broader Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to transform the company into a globally recognised industrial powerhouse. The facility will also support future liquefied natural gas exports and ease the importation of heavy industrial equipment into Nigeria.
Community Engagement
A delegation led by Jamil Abubakar, Managing Director of Infrastructure and Logistics at Dangote Industries, visited host communities in Ogun and Ondo states for preliminary consultations. Abubakar described the seaport as a transformative economic project that will strengthen Nigeria's trade competitiveness and reduce pressure on existing port infrastructure. He noted that the development will stimulate business activities, create jobs, and open up long-term economic opportunities.
Traditional Rulers Express Support
Traditional rulers in the affected communities welcomed the project. The Lenuwa of Ode-Omi, Oba Folailu Adekunle Hassan, expressed optimism about the economic benefits and approved preliminary surveys and compensation activities. The Alara of Araromi Seaside Kingdom, Oba Adeoloye Olawole, assured the company of community cooperation. The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda also pledged support.
Expected Economic Impact
Dangote Industries believes the deep-sea port could become a major driver of foreign direct investment and industrial growth in Nigeria. Analysts suggest it could improve Nigeria's participation in regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework. If completed, the Olokola deep-sea port would rank among the most ambitious private-sector maritime infrastructure projects in Nigeria's history.
This announcement follows recent news of Dangote's plans for a 20,000-megawatt power project, highlighting the conglomerate's continued expansion across multiple sectors.
