March 18, (THEWILL) – President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has revealed that with an annual production capacity of 18 million metric tonnes from its two cement plants in Itori and Ibese, Ogun State is poised to become Africa’s leading cement-producing region.
He also disclosed plans to collaborate with the Ogun State government in constructing the country’s largest deep seaport at the Olokola Free Trade Zone in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.
The Olokola Seaport project, initially conceived in 2007, has faced multiple setbacks. However, the Federal Government announced plans in 2020 to revive it, with a projected completion by 2025.
Dangote, who made this known on Monday during a courtesy visit to Governor Dapo Abiodun at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, attributed his renewed investments in the state to the administration’s investor-friendly policies.
He explained that two new production lines have been added to the Itori cement plant in Ewekoro Local Government Area, increasing its capacity to six million metric tonnes per annum. Meanwhile, the Ibese plant in Yewa North Local Government Area boasts a production capacity of 12 million metric tonnes per annum.
Dangote commended the governor’s efforts in positioning Ogun as the nation’s industrial hub, saying his administration’s support for both local and foreign investors influenced the company’s decision to reinvest in the state, including the Olokola Seaport.
He recalled the demolition of his cement factory in Itori on two occasions under the administration of former Governor Ibikunle Amosun, saying his return to the state is not only for the seaport investment but also to revive cement production on a grand scale.
“I would like to commend, in a special way, my good friend and brother, His Excellency, Governor Dapo Abiodun, for his vision and deliberate policies that attract enterprises through immense private sector support,” Dangote said.
“Our factory at Itori was demolished twice. When we restarted the second time, not only was the factory pulled down, but also the fence, so we left. However, because of His Excellency, we are back. When you visit the factory, you will be amazed at what we have achieved.”
“We had abandoned our vision of investing in the Olokola Free Trade Zone, but due to the state’s policies and investor-friendly environment, I am pleased to announce our return. We will work with the government to construct the largest seaport in the country,” he added.
With the addition of the new production lines, Dangote said the company’s total cement output in Ogun State will reach 18 million metric tonnes annually, making it Africa’s top cement-producing region.
He noted that with contributions from other manufacturers in the state, Ogun remains far ahead of several African nations in cement production.
Dangote Cement currently leads the continent’s cement industry with an annual production capacity of 52 million metric tonnes, 70 percent of which is produced in Nigeria. The Obajana plant in Kogi State, with an annual output of 16.25 million metric tonnes, remains the largest in Africa.
He emphasised that investments in manufacturing have made Nigeria self-sufficient in cement production, just as the country now produces surplus fertilizer for export.
Beyond cement, Dangote said his company is also meeting Nigeria’s domestic demand for petroleum products, including Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), refined aviation fuel, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) from its 650,000-barrels-per-day refinery in Ibeju-Lekki.
Recognizing Nigeria as a growing economy, Dangote stressed the need for private sector collaboration with the government, assuring that his company would continue investing in projects that drive economic transformation.
He expressed gratitude to traditional rulers and residents of Itori for their support, which enabled a smooth commencement of the cement plant. He also commended the people of Yewaland for facilitating the company’s operations while pledging to uphold its corporate social responsibilities.
Abiodun, in his remarks, described the groundbreaking ceremony of the Dangote Refinery in Lagos as a painful moment for Ogun residents who had hoped the project would be sited at Olokola.
He said, “I want to thank you for returning to Ogun State and for your belief and trust in your country, Nigeria. I appreciate all that you have done—the jobs you have created and the impact you continue to make, not just in this state but across the country.
“The way you selflessly promote this country globally is commendable. Your life and story remain an inspiration to young Nigerians. You have excelled in every endeavor with the Midas touch.”
He described Dangote’s renewed investments in Ogun as a significant milestone, adding, “Today is a historic day—March 17, 2025—the same month you performed the refinery groundbreaking in Lagos, and now you are returning to Ogun State.”
