Dangote Industries Limited is pushing further into Nigeria’s infrastructure and export economy with plans for a multi-billion-dollar deep seaport at the Olokola Free Trade Zone, a project expected to expand the company’s growing industrial footprint beyond cement, refining, and fertiliser production into large-scale maritime logistics.

The proposed port, which will occupy more than 10,000 hectares along Nigeria’s Atlantic coastline, is being positioned as a major gateway for exports, industrial cargo movement, and regional trade as Africa’s largest economy attempts to strengthen local manufacturing and reduce dependence on congested port infrastructure.

Located within the Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State and extending toward Ilaje Local Government Area in Ondo State, the Olokola deep seaport forms part of Dangote Industries’ broader Vision 2030 strategy aimed at transforming the group into what it describes as a globally competitive industrial and manufacturing powerhouse.

While details of the final investment value were not disclosed, the company described the project as a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure development expected to support exports, imports, petrochemical shipments, fertiliser logistics, and future energy-related trade operations.

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The project also signals Dangote’s increasing focus on controlling critical supply chain infrastructure around its expanding industrial ecosystem, especially following the launch of the Dangote Refinery and ongoing growth in fertiliser exports.

Leading the company’s stakeholder engagement visit to host communities, Managing Director of Infrastructure and Logistics at Dangote Industries, Capt. Jamil Abubakar described the seaport as a strategic economic gateway capable of reshaping trade and industrial activity 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,” Abubakar said.

“It will create real opportunities for host communities through jobs, business activities, and long-term development across both Ogun and Ondo states.”

According to him, the port is designed not just as a shipping facility, but as part of an integrated industrial and logistics network capable of strengthening Nigeria’s role 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,” he added.

The proposed infrastructure is expected to support the movement of refined petroleum products, fertilisers, petrochemicals, and potentially liquefied natural gas exports in the future, while also easing the importation of industrial equipment and raw materials. Industry analysts have repeatedly pointed to port congestion, logistics bottlenecks, and weak transport infrastructure as major constraints affecting Nigeria’s industrial competitiveness and export capacity.

The development of a large-scale deep seaport tied directly to industrial production could significantly improve export efficiency for heavy manufacturing and energy products, particularly as Nigeria pushes to benefit more from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

As part of preliminary project activities, Dangote’s delegation, accompanied by surveyors and environmental consultants, visited several host communities, including Ode-Omi in Ogun State, alongside Araromi Seaside Kingdom and Igbokoda in Ondo State.

Traditional rulers in both states publicly welcomed the project and pledged support for its implementation.

“We have been expecting you for a long time,” said the Lenuwa of Ode-Omi, Oba Folailu Adekunle Hassan (Oshotekun II).

“Do your best, and we will all benefit from this process.” The monarch also approved the commencement of preliminary surveys, household enumeration, and compensation assessments for affected communities.

Similarly, the Alara of Araromi Seaside Kingdom, Oba Adeoloye Olawole, described the proposed development as long-awaited.

“We can’t wait for this project to commence,” he said. “We are going to give you physical and spiritual support.”

The Dangote delegation also visited the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda, where Acting Commanding Officer Lt. Commander A.A. Makinwa assured the company of the Navy’s cooperation. Dangote Industries said the port project is expected to generate jobs, attract foreign investment, stimulate logistics and manufacturing activity, and strengthen Nigeria’s export diversification strategy.

If completed at the projected scale, the Olokola port could become one of Nigeria’s most strategically important private-sector maritime infrastructure projects, further expanding Dangote’s influence across the country’s industrial, energy, and trade sectors.

Meiza Nigeria