Dangote Industries Limited is pushing forward with plans to reshape Nigeria’s maritime and industrial landscape through the development of a massive deep-sea port at the Olokola Free Trade Zone in Ogun State, a project expected to strengthen trade, industrial expansion, and export capacity across West Africa.
The proposed multi-billion-dollar seaport, which will cover more than 10,000 hectares along Nigeria’s Atlantic coastline, forms a major pillar of the company’s Vision 2030 strategy aimed at positioning the conglomerate as a globally competitive industrial powerhouse.
Stretching from Ogun Waterside Local Government Area into parts of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, the port is expected to become a strategic logistics gateway for exports, imports, heavy industrial cargo, and regional maritime trade.
As part of the early groundwork for the project, a high-level delegation from Dangote Industries, led by the Managing Director for Infrastructure and Logistics, Capt. Jamil Abubakar, visited several host communities in Ogun and Ondo states to begin consultations and stakeholder engagement ahead of full project execution.
During the visit, Abubakar described the initiative as a transformational project capable of unlocking major economic opportunities for both the host communities and the country at large.
“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.
“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’s location along the Atlantic corridor gives it a strong competitive advantage that could significantly improve Nigeria’s standing in regional and global commerce.
“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 added.
The company explained that the seaport is being designed to support an integrated industrial ecosystem capable of handling large-scale exports of fertilisers, petrochemicals, and refined petroleum products. The facility is also expected to accommodate future liquefied natural gas exports while easing the importation of heavy industrial machinery and equipment required for manufacturing and infrastructure development.
Industry observers believe the project could significantly reduce congestion at existing Nigerian ports, particularly in Lagos, while creating new economic corridors across the South-West region.
Beyond maritime operations, the development is expected to stimulate investments in manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, transportation, and support services, potentially generating thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
Dangote Industries also reassured residents that engagement with affected communities would remain continuous throughout the planning and implementation stages.
Accompanied by environmental consultants and land surveyors, the delegation visited Ode-Omi community in Ogun State, as well as Araromi Seaside Kingdom and Igbokoda in Ondo State to begin preliminary assessments and consultations.
Traditional rulers in the host communities openly welcomed the project, expressing optimism about its economic benefits.
The Lenuwa of Ode-Omi, Oba Folailu Adekunle Hassan (Oshotekun II), said the community had long anticipated the company’s arrival.
“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 stated.
The royal father also approved the commencement of preliminary surveys, including household enumeration, identification of economic trees, and compensation arrangements for affected residents.
In Ondo State, the Alara of Araromi Seaside Kingdom, Oba Adeoloye Olawole, pledged both community and traditional support for the initiative.
“We can’t wait for this project to commence. We are going to give you physical and spiritual support. If this project can begin tomorrow, you are welcome,” he said.
The Dangote delegation further visited the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda, where the Acting Commanding Officer, Lt. Commander A.A. Makinwa, assured the company of the Navy’s cooperation in ensuring security and supporting national economic development.
Dangote Industries noted that beyond infrastructure development, the proposed seaport aligns with Nigeria’s broader export diversification agenda and could strengthen the country’s participation in intra-African commerce under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Analysts say if successfully executed, the Olokola Deep-Sea Port could emerge as one of the most significant privately driven maritime infrastructure projects in Africa, reinforcing Nigeria’s ambition to become a leading industrial and logistics hub on the continent.