The President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has announced plans to construct the largest dry seaport at Olokola, in the Ogun waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State.
He explained that his company decided to return and invest in Ogun State due to the Prince Dapo Abiodun administration’s vision and deliberate policies, which focus on attracting investors and fostering an investor-friendly climate in the state.
Dangote made this statement on Monday during a courtesy visit to the governor at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. He described Ogun State as one of the most attractive investment destinations in Nigeria, positioning itself as the manufacturing “bedrock” of the country.
He said: “I would like to commend, in a special way, my good friend and brother, His Excellency, the Governor of Ogun State, for his vision and deliberate policies that focus on attracting enterprises through immense support for the private sector, which is now drawing investors.
“Our factory at Itori was demolished twice. When we restarted the second time, not only was the factory pulled down, but also the fence, so we left. However, because of His Excellency, our governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, we are back. When you visit the factory, you will be amazed at what we have achieved.
“We had earlier abandoned our vision of investing in the Olokola Free Trade Zone (OKFTZ), but due to your policies and the investor-friendly environment, I am pleased to announce that we are back. We will work with the state government and have plans underway to construct the largest port in the country,” he pledged.
Providing updates on the company’s ongoing projects in the state, Alhaji Aliko Dangote revealed that two new lines of a 6.0 million metric tonnes per annum cement plant have been constructed at Itori, while a 12 million metric tonnes per annum cement plant is also located at Ibeshe.
Upon completion, the Chief Executive assured that the total capacity of the company’s cement plants in the state would be approximately 18 million metric tonnes per annum, making Ogun State the highest cement-producing region in Africa.
“With contributions from other cement producers in the state, Ogun remains far ahead of other countries across Africa in terms of cement production,” he said.
Dangote Cement, according to the Dangote Group President, is the leading cement producer in Africa, with a capacity of 52.0 million metric tonnes per annum across the continent.
He added that 70 per cent of production is carried out in Nigeria, with the Obajana plant in Kogi State accounting for 16.25 million metric tonnes per annum, the largest in Africa.
He noted that investment in manufacturing has made Nigeria self-sufficient in cement production, just as the country is now self-sufficient in fertiliser, with surplus production being exported to earn foreign exchange.
Highlighting the company’s broader goals, Alhaji Dangote stated that the company aims to make Nigeria self-sufficient in all it consumes. He disclosed that the company is currently meeting domestic demand for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from its 650,000 barrels per day refinery at Ibeju-Lekki, as well as refined aviation fuel and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
Nigeria, he said, is a growing economy, necessitating private companies to complement government efforts. He assured that his company would continue to demonstrate its belief in the nation and its people by making investments aimed at transforming the economy.
He expressed gratitude to the traditional rulers and people of Itori for their support and partnership, which facilitated the smooth and speedy commencement of the cement plant. He also acknowledged the encouragement from the people of Yewaland, which has enabled smooth operations, and assured continued adherence to the company’s Corporate Social Responsibilities to host communities.
In response, Governor Abiodun described the day the Dangote Refinery groundbreaking was performed in Lagos as “a day of heartbreak for sons and daughters of Ogun State as they watched helplessly on television,” noting that it signified the project’s departure from Olokola.
He said: “I want to thank you for returning to Ogun State and for your belief and trust in your country, Nigeria. I appreciate all that you have done—the number of people you have employed and the impact you continue to make, not just in this state but across Nigeria.
“The way you selflessly continue to promote this country globally is commendable. Your life and story remain an inspiring narrative for all young men. You have excelled in every endeavour, with the Midas touch.
“These are indeed giant strides. For us in Ogun State, we welcome your return. Today is a historic day—March 17, 2025—the same March when you performed the refinery groundbreaking in Lagos, and now you are returning to Ogun State.
“Not only have you chosen to complete Itori, but you have also decided to develop the largest port in Nigeria. For this, I thank you.”
Abiodun emphasised that with the establishment of the Itori cement plant, proposed to produce six million metric tonnes of cement per annum, and the existing Ibeshe plant, producing 12 million metric tonnes, Ogun State would achieve a total production capacity of 18 million metric tonnes per annum, making it the largest cement producer in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.
The governor commended the company for its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibilities in host communities, including the ongoing construction of the Interchange-Papalanto-Ilaro road. He assured that his administration is ready to collaborate with the company for the benefit of the state and the nation.
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