Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has announced plans to build Nigeria’s biggest and deepest seaport at Olokola, Ogun State, marking a significant expansion of his industrial footprint.
In an interview with Bloomberg, Dangote said paperwork for the Atlantic seaport project was submitted last month. He expressed optimism that the proposed port would ease the export of goods – including liquefied natural gas (LNG) – and attract more private-sector investment.
“It’s not that we want to do everything by ourselves,” Dangote said, “but I think doing this will encourage other entrepreneurs to come into it.”
The port project signals a return to Olokola, where Dangote had previously abandoned plans for a refinery and fertiliser plant following a dispute with local authorities. He credited Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for creating a more welcoming investment climate.
Dangote Group Vice-President, Devakumar Edwin, also revealed plans to export LNG from Lagos, with a major pipeline project from the Niger Delta in view. “We want to do a major project to bring more gas than what Nigeria LNG is doing today,” Edwin said, highlighting the group’s aggressive move into the energy sector.
Dangote Industries is also on track to generate $7 million in daily fertiliser sales within two years. By August 15, the company will begin national distribution of petrol and diesel, backed by 4,000 newly acquired CNG-powered tankers to support its logistics.
The refinery boss added in June that Africa is on course to become self-sufficient in fertiliser production within 40 months, reinforcing the group’s ambition to reshape the continent’s energy and agricultural sectors.
