KEY POINTS
- Dangote Industries is developing a 10,000-hectare deep seaport at Olokola Free Trade Zone.
- The facility will straddle Ogun Waterside and Ondo’s Ilaje council areas along the Atlantic coast.
- Host community monarchs in Ode-Omi and Araromi Seaside have endorsed surveys and enumeration.
Aliko Dangote, president of Dangote Industries Limited, has launched preliminary work on a multi-billion-dollar deep seaport covering more than 10,000 hectares at the Olokola Free Trade Zone, pushing his group decisively into maritime infrastructure and export logistics. The project, announced Tuesday, anchors the conglomerate’s Vision 2030 plan to become a globally recognized industrial leader.
Furthermore, Dangote framed the seaport as the next pillar of his industrial empire after the 650,000-barrel Lekki refinery and the Dangote Fertilizer complex. According to the company, the facility will sit in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area and stretch toward Ilaje Local Government Area in Ondo State, giving the group its own Atlantic gateway. Consequently, it will reduce the group’s dependence on congested Lagos ports.
Dangote targets Atlantic gateway
Specifically, the deep seaport will serve as a logistics and industrial hub for exports, imports and regional trade. Moreover, it will handle fertilizer, petrochemical and refined petroleum shipments, while also positioning the site for future liquefied natural gas exports. In addition, the facility will receive heavy industrial equipment that currently clogs Apapa and Tin Can Island.
Capt. Jamil Abubakar, managing director of infrastructure and logistics at Dangote Industries, led a delegation to host communities on behalf of the chairman. He said the Olokola Port project would open up Nigeria’s economic potential, ease pressure on existing ports and support industrial growth. Therefore, he added, host communities would benefit through jobs, business activities and long-term development across Ogun and Ondo.
Host communities back the plan
Subsequently, the Lenuwa of Ode-Omi, Oba Folailu Adekunle Hassan, welcomed the delegation and approved the start of surveys, household enumeration and compensation arrangements. “We have been expecting you for a long time. It is good that you are here today. Do your best, and we will all benefit from this process,” the monarch said.
Similarly, the Alara of Araromi Seaside Kingdom, Oba Adeoloye Olawole, pledged physical and spiritual support. “We can’t wait for this project to commence. If this project can begin tomorrow, you are welcome,” he told the team. Additionally, the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda, through acting commanding officer Lt. Cmdr. A.A. Makinwa, pledged operational cooperation.
Vision 2030 stakes rise
Meanwhile, Abubakar said the facility had been designed as a logistics gateway for an integrated industrial ecosystem that strengthens Africa’s regional commerce network. Moreover, Dangote’s team, accompanied by surveyors and environmental consultants, has begun mapping Ode-Omi, Araromi Seaside Kingdom and Igbokoda. The company added that engagement with host communities would continue throughout implementation.
Ultimately, Dangote Industries said the seaport will drive job creation, attract foreign direct investment and stimulate manufacturing, logistics and services. In addition, it will deepen Nigeria’s export diversification push under the African Continental Free Trade Area. Therefore, analysts expect the project to reshape West African shipping routes once construction begins, cementing Dangote’s pivot from manufacturing tycoon to infrastructure mogul.
