10,000-hectare Atlantic port project set to boost exports, maritime trade, industrial growth, and regional logistics across West Africa…..
Dangote Industries Limited has begun preliminary steps toward the construction of a massive deep-sea port at the Olokola Free Trade Zone in Ogun State, marking another major expansion move by the conglomerate into maritime infrastructure and export-driven industrial development.
The proposed project, which will cover more than 10,000 hectares along Nigeria’s Atlantic coastline, is expected to become one of the country’s largest integrated logistics and industrial hubs when completed.
According to the company, the deep-sea port forms part of Dangote Industries’ broader Vision 2030 strategy aimed at positioning the group as a globally competitive industrial and manufacturing powerhouse.
The port will be situated within the Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State and extend toward the Ilaje axis of Ondo State, creating a strategic maritime corridor designed to support imports, exports, regional commerce, and industrial operations.
As part of early-stage preparations, a delegation from Dangote Industries led by the company’s Managing Director for Infrastructure and Logistics, Capt. Jamil Abubakar, visited host communities in both Ogun and Ondo states to begin consultations and stakeholder engagements ahead of project execution.
Speaking during the community visits, Abubakar described the project as a transformative initiative capable of unlocking major economic opportunities for both the region and the country.
According to him, the proposed port would ease pressure on Nigeria’s existing seaports while strengthening the nation’s trade and logistics capacity.
“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,” he said.
He added that the development would generate employment opportunities, stimulate local businesses, and drive long-term economic development across host communities.
Abubakar explained that the facility is being designed as more than just a conventional seaport, noting that it would serve as the logistics backbone for a wider industrial ecosystem intended to support regional trade and manufacturing expansion across Africa.
The port is expected to facilitate the export of fertilisers, petrochemicals, and refined petroleum products while also supporting future liquefied natural gas exports and the importation of large-scale industrial equipment.
He further assured host communities that the company would maintain continuous engagement throughout the project implementation process.
During the visit, the Dangote delegation, alongside surveyors and environmental consultants, toured several coastal communities including Ode-Omi in Ogun State, as well as Araromi Seaside Kingdom and Igbokoda in Ondo State.
Traditional rulers in the affected communities welcomed the project and pledged their support for its successful execution.
The Lenuwa of Ode-Omi, Oba Folailu Adekunle Hassan (Oshotekun II), described the development as long-awaited and beneficial to the community.
“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.
The traditional ruler also approved the commencement of surveys, household enumeration, valuation of economic trees, and compensation processes for affected residents.
Similarly, the Alara of Araromi Seaside Kingdom, Oba Adeoloye Olawole, expressed enthusiasm over the proposed investment and assured the company of the community’s full cooperation.
“We can’t wait for this project to commence. We are going to give you physical and spiritual support,” he said.
The Dangote team also visited the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda, where the Acting Commanding Officer, Lt. Commander A.A. Makinwa, pledged support for the initiative, describing it as important for national economic growth and maritime development.
Dangote Industries stated that the deep-sea port project is expected to drive significant foreign direct investment into Nigeria while boosting sectors including logistics, manufacturing, shipping, and services.
The company also believes the project will strengthen Nigeria’s export diversification efforts and improve the country’s participation in intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Once completed, the Olokola deep-sea port could emerge as one of the most strategically important maritime infrastructure projects in West Africa, further expanding Dangote Group’s growing influence across energy, logistics, manufacturing, and regional trade.
