May 20, (THEWILL) — Dangote Industries Limited has commenced preliminary preparations for the development of a 10,000-hectare deep seaport at the Olokola Free Trade Zone in Ogun State, in a major infrastructure initiative aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s maritime capacity, expanding export operations, and accelerating industrial growth.
The multi-billion-dollar project, according to the company, is a central component of its Vision 2030 strategy designed to position Dangote Industries Limited as a globally recognised industrial and manufacturing powerhouse with integrated logistics and export capabilities.
The proposed deep seaport, located in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area and stretching toward Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State along the Atlantic coastline, is expected to serve as a strategic maritime gateway for exports, imports, and regional trade across West Africa.
As part of the early-stage engagement process, a delegation from Dangote Industries, led by the Managing Director of Infrastructure and Logistics, Capt. Jamil Abubakar, visited host communities in Ogun and Ondo states to commence stakeholder consultations ahead of implementation.
Speaking during the visits, Abubakar described the Olokola Port initiative as a transformational economic project capable of unlocking opportunities for businesses, communities, and the wider Nigerian economy.
“The Olokola Port project is a major step in unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential, easing pressure on existing ports, and supporting industrial growth. It will create real opportunities for host communities through jobs, business activities, and long-term development across both Ogun and Ondo states”, he said.
He added that the proposed seaport’s Atlantic coastline location would strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional logistics and trade hub.
“With its strategic location, Olokola will serve as a key gateway for exports and imports, boosting Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global trade. This project reflects our commitment to infrastructure that benefits both the people and the economy”, Abubakar added.
According to the company, the deep seaport is being designed as a logistics gateway for an integrated industrial ecosystem that will support Africa’s expanding regional commerce and supply chain networks.
The facility is expected to facilitate exports of fertilisers, petrochemicals, and refined petroleum products from Dangote’s industrial operations, while also supporting future liquefied natural gas exports and the importation of heavy industrial equipment and strategic cargo.
Dangote Industries further assured host communities that consultations and engagement would continue throughout the implementation phase of the project to ensure inclusiveness, cooperation, and shared economic benefits.
Communities visited during the preliminary consultations included Ode-Omi in Ogun State, Araromi Seaside Kingdom, and Igbokoda in Ondo State.
The Lenuwa of Ode-Omi, Oba Folailu Adekunle Hassan, welcomed the proposed development and approved surveys as well as household enumeration for the project.
Similarly, the Alara of Araromi Seaside Kingdom, Oba Adeoloye Olawole, pledged support for the initiative, while military authorities at the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda also expressed backing for the project.
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