Aliko Dangote announces plans to return to Ogun for the largest seaport project and a $800 million cement factory, driven by Governor Abiodun’s support

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]liko Dangote, the President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Ltd, has confirmed that his company is set to return to Ogun State for two monumental projects: the largest seaport in Nigeria and a massive cement factory at Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area.

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The industrialist made the announcement on Monday during a visit to the ongoing cement factory construction site.

Dangote revealed that his company had resumed work on the 6 million metric tons per annum cement factory at Itori, which is slated for completion by November 2026.

The factory, initially set for completion years ago, was delayed due to opposition from former Governor Ibikunle Amosun, who had repeatedly demolished the facility during its construction.

However, under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun, Dangote Industries has returned to the site with renewed vigour.

“When we started building the new cement factory at Itori, former Governor Amosun demolished it. We came back again and restarted the project, but Governor Amosun came again, demolished the factory and even the fencing. So, we left,” Dangote explained.

“But because of my brother, Governor Dapo Abiodun, we are back to the site, and you will be surprised at the level of work ongoing there.”

The Itori cement plant, which sits on 533 hectares of land, will increase the state’s cement production capacity to 18 million metric tons per annum once completed, making Ogun State the largest cement-producing region in Africa.

Dangote also disclosed that the existing Dangote Cement plant in Ibese, Ogun State, already produces 12 million metric tons per annum. Once the new Itori factory is operational, Ogun State will lead the continent in cement manufacturing.

In addition to the cement factory, Dangote revealed plans to return to the Olokola Free Trade Zone (OKFTZ) in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.

This will see the construction of the largest port in the country, a project that had previously been abandoned due to challenges with local policies.

However, with Governor Abiodun’s investor-friendly approach, Dangote is confident that the project will now move forward successfully.

“We earlier abandoned our vision of investing in the Olokola Free Trade Zone, but because of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s policies and his favourable environment for investors, I am happy to announce that we are back,” Dangote said.

“We are going to work with the government, and plans are underway to construct the largest port in the country.”

Dangote’s ventures extend beyond cement. The billionaire industrialist also noted his company’s role in making Nigeria self-sufficient in the production of fertilizer and cement.

Additionally, his $650,000 barrel per day petroleum refinery, located in Ibeju-Lekki, is expected to meet domestic demand for refined petroleum products.

The refinery will also produce automotive gas oil (AGO), premium motor spirit (PMS), aviation fuels, LPG, and carbon black, marking a significant achievement for Nigeria as it moves from a net importer to an exporter of refined petroleum.

“The goal of Dangote Industries is to make Nigeria self-sufficient in whatever we consume, using the abundant natural resources we have,” Dangote explained.

“We’ve repeated the same success story in cement and fertilizer, and now we are doing the same with refined petroleum products.”

The industrialist also credited Governor Abiodun for creating an attractive business environment, which played a key role in Dangote’s decision to invest in Ogun State. Abiodun has fostered policies that have positioned the state as one of Nigeria’s top investment destinations.

Governor Abiodun praised Dangote for his perseverance and commitment to Nigeria’s industrialisation. He commended the industrialist for his resilience in returning to Ogun State to complete the $800 million Itori cement factory project, despite the earlier opposition.

Abiodun emphasised that Dangote’s efforts were further demonstrated by the ongoing construction of the Sagamu Interchange to Papalanto road, which will boost the state’s economic growth.

“This is a historical visit,” Governor Abiodun stated. “It provides us with an opportunity to engage with Dangote on issues related to the further economic development of Ogun State. His investments are helping us realise our vision of a prosperous and industrialised state.”

Also read: Dangote refinery’s petrol price slash sparks tension among fuel importers

Abiodun reassured Dangote and other investors that his government would continue to create an enabling environment to attract further investment into the state, underscoring Ogun’s role as a beacon of economic development in Nigeria.