The Editor (LOYAMP)
Dangote Industries Limited has commenced preliminary activities for the development of the proposed Olokola Deep Seaport project, a multi-billion-dollar maritime and industrial infrastructure initiative expected to become one of the largest deep seaports in Africa.
The project, which forms a central component of the Group’s long-term “Vision 2030” expansion strategy, is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s export capacity, boosting industrialisation and positioning the country as a major logistics and trade hub on the African continent.
Situated within the Olokola Free Trade Zone, the project spans more than 10,000 hectares across the Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State and stretches toward the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State along the Atlantic coastline.
As part of preparations for the take-off of the project, officials of Dangote Industries, led by the Managing Director of Infrastructure and Logistics, Capt. Jamil Abubakar, visited several host communities in Ogun and Ondo states to engage traditional rulers, youth leaders and other stakeholders.
During the visit, Capt. Abubakar described the proposed deep seaport as a transformational logistics gateway designed to support an integrated industrial ecosystem that would strengthen maritime trade and economic activities across Africa.
According to him, the project would serve as the logistics backbone for Dangote Industries by facilitating the export of fertilisers, petrochemicals and refined petroleum products, while also supporting future Liquefied Natural Gas exports and the importation of heavy industrial equipment and raw materials.
He stated that the port would significantly reduce pressure on existing seaports in the country while opening up new opportunities for industrial growth, trade expansion and employment generation.
“The Olokola Port project is a major step in unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential, strengthening trade, reducing pressure on existing ports and supporting industrial growth,” Abubakar said.
“With its strategic location, Olokola will serve as a key gateway for exports and imports, boosting Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global trade. The project will also create employment opportunities and stimulate business activities for host communities and neighbouring states.”
He added that community engagement would remain a continuous process throughout the implementation phase of the project.
The Dangote delegation, accompanied by land surveyors, estate valuers and environmental consultants, visited Ode-Omi community in Ogun State as well as Araromi Seaside Kingdom and Igbokoda in Ondo State.
At Ode-Omi, the Lenuwa of Ode-Omi, Oba Folailu Adekunle Hassan (Oshotekun II), welcomed the development and assured the company of the community’s support and cooperation.
The monarch expressed optimism that the project would bring economic transformation to the area and improve the livelihoods of residents.
“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 traditional ruler said.
Oba Hassan also granted approval for the commencement of surveys and other preliminary activities, including household enumeration, identification of economic trees and compensation processes for affected communities.
Similarly, at the Araromi Seaside Kingdom in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, the Alara of Araromi, Oba Adeoloye Olawole, pledged the community’s support for the project.
He described the planned seaport as a major development that would attract investments and improve economic activities within the coastal region.
“We cannot wait for this project to commence. We are ready to give both physical and spiritual support for its success,” the monarch stated.
The Dangote management team also paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda, where the Acting Commanding Officer, Lt. Commander A.A. Makinwa, assured the company of the Navy’s cooperation in ensuring security and supporting the project in the national interest.
Industry analysts say the proposed Olokola Deep Seaport is expected to drive significant economic growth through direct and indirect job creation, attraction of foreign direct investment and stimulation of ancillary sectors such as logistics, manufacturing and services.
The project is also projected to enhance Nigeria’s export diversification drive and strengthen the country’s participation in intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Dangote Industries said the initiative aligns with its broader ambition of evolving into a globally recognised industrial and manufacturing conglomerate with an annual revenue target of $100 billion by 2030.
The Group also aims to rank among the world’s leading companies while expanding Africa’s industrial and logistics capacity over the next five years.
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