Dangote Resumes Multi-Billion Naira Investments in Ogun, Plans Nigeria’s Largest Seaport

 

Billionaire industrialist and President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has reaffirmed his commitment to Ogun State with the revival of a 6.0 million metric tons per annum (Mta) cement plant in Itori.

Additionally, he announced plans to develop Nigeria’s largest seaport at Olokola, a project expected to transform the state’s industrial landscape.

Dangote made the announcement during a courtesy visit to Governor Dapo Abiodun at the Ogun State Government House in Abeokuta.

He commended the governor’s business-friendly policies, which he said encouraged him to resume long-abandoned projects in the state.

“We had initially abandoned our plans for the Olokola Free Trade Zone, but your investor-friendly policies have encouraged us to return.

“We are now set to construct the biggest port in Nigeria, which will enhance trade and industrial capacity,” Dangote said.

Speaking on the Itori cement plant, Dangote recalled past challenges that forced his company to halt construction. “Our factory at Itori was demolished twice, including the fence. So we left. But under the current administration, we are back. If you visit the site now, you will be amazed at the progress,” he said.

With the completion of the Itori plant, Dangote Cement’s production capacity in Ogun will rise to 18 million Mta, combining with the existing 12 million Mta facility in Ibeshe.

This will make Ogun State the highest-producing region for Dangote Cement in Africa. Dangote Cement remains the continent’s leading producer, with a total capacity of 52 million Mta, 70 percent of which is in Nigeria.

Governor Abiodun described the renewed investment as a major milestone for Ogun State.

“The day the Dangote Refinery groundbreaking took place in Lagos was a painful moment for us in Ogun because we had hoped it would be built here,” he said.

“But today, we celebrate your return, not only with the completion of the Itori plant but also with the establishment of the biggest seaport in Nigeria.”

Traditional rulers from Yewaland, led by the Olu of Itori, Oba Abdulfatai Akorede Akamo, expressed their support for the projects, acknowledging their potential to boost economic growth.

Dangote and his team later inspected ongoing construction at the Itori cement plant and the Papalanto concrete-paved road, a project being executed under the federal tax credit scheme.

With these developments, Ogun State is set to strengthen its position as Nigeria’s industrial hub, attracting more investments and boosting infrastructure development.

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