Dangote Industries Limited has commenced preliminary processes for the development of a proposed 10,000-hectare deep seaport at the Olokola Free Trade Zone, marking a major expansion of its push into maritime infrastructure, logistics and export-driven industrialisation.
The project, which forms part of the group’s Vision 2030 strategy, is designed to position the conglomerate as a globally recognised industrial and manufacturing powerhouse, according to a statement from the company.
Located within Ogun State and extending toward Ondo State along Nigeria’s Atlantic coastline, the proposed seaport is expected to serve as a major logistics hub for imports, exports and regional trade.
A delegation from Dangote Industries Limited, led by the Managing Director of Infrastructure and Logistics, Capt. Jamil Abubakar, has begun stakeholder engagements with host communities in both states ahead of project execution.
Speaking during engagements with host communities, Abubakar said the project would transform economic activity and create opportunities across the region.
“The Olokola Port project is a major step in opening up Nigeria’s economic potential, strengthening trade, reducing pressure on existing ports and supporting industrial growth. It will create real opportunities for host communities through jobs, business activities and long-term developments across both Ogun and Ondo states,” Abubakar said.
He added that the port’s location gives it strategic importance in regional and global trade.
“With its strategic location, Olokola would serve as a key gateway for exports and imports, boosting Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global trade. This project reflects our commitment to building infrastructure that benefits both the people and the economy at large.”
Abubakar further explained that the deep seaport is being designed as a logistics gateway for an integrated industrial ecosystem capable of supporting Africa’s regional commerce and supply chain network.
According to the company’s statement, the proposed seaport is expected to support multiple industrial and export-oriented activities across several sectors.
These include the export of fertilisers, petrochemicals and refined petroleum products, as well as future liquefied natural gas exports. It will also facilitate the importation of heavy industrial equipment required for large-scale industrial development.
Company officials also said continuous engagement with host communities would remain a key part of the project’s implementation process.
As part of early-stage activities, the Dangote delegation—accompanied by surveyors and environmental consultants—visited several host communities across the coastal corridor.
These included Ode-Omi, Araromi Seaside Kingdom and Igbokoda.
Traditional rulers in the host communities expressed support for the project. The Lenuwa of Ode-Omi, Oba Folailu Adekunle Hassan (Oshotekun II), welcomed the initiative and approved the commencement of surveys and household enumeration.
Similarly, the Alara of Araromi Seaside Kingdom, Oba Adeoloye Olawole, pledged support for the development during discussions with the delegation.
The team also visited the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, where military officials reportedly expressed support for the proposed seaport project.
Separately, it was noted that Dangote Industries Limited continues to deepen its industrial footprint across Africa. Nairametrics earlier reported that Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has called for increased local investment to attract foreign capital into Nigeria.
In February, the Dangote Group also signed a $400 million agreement with XCMG Construction Machinery to accelerate construction and expansion activities linked to its refinery operations.
In a related development, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni reportedly disclosed that he met with Aliko Dangote for discussions around a proposed regional refinery project in East Africa, underscoring the group’s wider continental industrial ambitions.
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