Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has unveiled plans to build a seaport and expand cement production in Ogun State, marking a significant boost to the state’s economy. The announcement was made during a meeting with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and the State Executive Council on Monday.
Dangote revealed that his company will construct what he described as “the largest port in the country” at the Olokola Free Trade Zone, reviving previously abandoned investment plans in the area. Additionally, two new cement production lines with a combined capacity of 6 million metric tons per annum are being constructed at Itori.
When completed, the new cement facilities will operate alongside the existing 12 million metric ton plant at Ibeshe, making Ogun State the largest cement producer in sub-Saharan Africa with a total capacity of 18 million metric tons.
“Our factory at Itori was pulled down twice. When we started the second time, they not only demolished the factory but also the fence, so we left. But right now, because of His Excellency, our governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, we are back,” Dangote said during the meeting.
Governor Abiodun welcomed the announcements, praising Dangote for his commitment to Nigeria’s development. “The way you selflessly continue to promote this country all over the world, we can’t thank you enough,” the governor said.
Dangote also highlighted that 70% of his company’s total African cement production currently occurs in Nigeria, with the Obajana plant in Kogi State accounting for 16.25 million metric tons annually.
Following the meeting, the delegation visited the construction site of the cement plant at Itori and inspected the Papalanto concrete-paved road, which is being built under the federal government’s tax credit scheme. Local traditional rulers, including the Olu of Itori, Oba Abdulfatai Akorede Akamo, were present during parts of the visit.
The new projects are expected to create thousands of jobs and significantly boost economic activities in Ogun State, further solidifying its position as a hub for industrial and infrastructural development in Nigeria.
