The Dangote Group and the Bayelsa State Government have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on investment opportunities in gas infrastructure, agro-processing, and the development of a deep seaport.

The agreement, signed on Friday in Yenagoa, follows months of strategic discussions between Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), and Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, according to Daniel Alabarah, the state’s Chief Press Secretary.

Under the terms of the MoU, Dangote Group will invest in key gas development projects, support the construction of a deep seaport at Agge, and undertake agro-allied ventures focusing on rice cultivation and food processing.

At the signing ceremony, Aliko Dangote emphasized the expanding footprint of his company in Bayelsa and praised the state’s immense potential as a prime destination for large-scale private sector investment.

“We have no issues with our gas project in Bayelsa. We’re seeing the right signals in terms of cooperation and we want to scale that. There’s a lot of potential here,” Dangote said.

He highlighted the Agge deep seaport and the state’s abundant gas reserves as strategic sectors with the power to transform Bayelsa into a key economic hub within the Niger Delta region.

On agriculture, Dangote revealed plans to introduce high-yield rice seeds and utilize the company’s soil-testing technology to ensure successful cultivation within the state.

Dangote underscored that the investment aims to demonstrate Bayelsa’s safety for business, with a focus on job creation and youth empowerment.

“You have no reason to complain about poverty because you have what it takes to make this state prosperous. The future of our group is now oil and gas,” he stated.

He further encouraged local leadership to advance infrastructure development, referencing the company’s over one trillion naira worth of infrastructure tax credits and expressing confidence in accelerating road construction through effective public-private collaboration.

Dangote concluded by commending the Bayelsa government’s support, particularly regarding the Iseni gas project, and reaffirmed his company’s commitment to sustained partnership and growth in the state.