LAGOS, May 20 – Dangote Industries Limited has begun early-stage work on a proposed deep-sea port at the Olokola Free Trade Zone in Ogun State, Nigeria, marking a major expansion push into maritime infrastructure and logistics under its broader Vision 2030 strategy.
The project, which spans more than 10,000 hectares across Ogun Waterside and extending toward Ilaje in Ondo State, is designed to function as a major export and import hub aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s industrial and trade capacity along the Atlantic coastline.
According to the company, the multi-billion-dollar development is expected to ease pressure on existing ports, improve cargo handling efficiency, and support long-term industrial growth across key sectors.
A delegation led by Dangote Industries’ Managing Director for Infrastructure and Logistics, Capt. Jamil Abubakar, has already begun stakeholder engagements with host communities as part of the groundwork ahead of construction.
Abubakar said the Olokola Port would serve as a strategic gateway for exports, particularly fertilisers, petrochemicals, and refined petroleum products, while also supporting future liquefied natural gas shipments and the importation of heavy industrial equipment.
He added that the facility is structured to operate as an integrated logistics and industrial ecosystem, positioning it as a key node for regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
During community visits, traditional rulers in Ode-Omi, Araromi Seaside Kingdom, and Igbokoda expressed support for the project, with assurances of cooperation on surveys, enumeration of households, and compensation processes for affected areas.
The Lenuwa of Ode-Omi, Oba Folailu Adekunle Hassan, described the project as long-awaited, while the Alara of Araromi Seaside Kingdom, Oba Adeoloye Olawole, also welcomed the development and pledged community backing.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda said it would provide operational support to ensure smooth implementation in line with national economic priorities.
Dangote Industries said the port project is expected to generate jobs, attract foreign investment, and stimulate growth across manufacturing, logistics, and services, while reinforcing Nigeria’s export diversification drive.
