Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has unveiled plans to construct Nigeria’s deepest and largest seaport at Olokola, Ogun State, as part of his expanding industrial empire.
In an interview with Bloomberg, Dangote said the proposed Atlantic seaport would significantly enhance exports including liquefied natural gas (LNG) and ease logistical bottlenecks for his growing portfolio of businesses.
“It’s not that we want to do everything by ourselves, but I think doing this will encourage other entrepreneurs to come into it,” he stated.
The project marks a return to the Olokola Free Trade Zone, where Dangote had previously abandoned a refinery and fertiliser complex due to unresolved issues with local authorities. His renewed commitment, he noted, is driven by the support of Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Separately, Devakumar Edwin, Vice-President of Dangote Group, revealed additional plans to export LNG from Lagos, which would involve laying pipelines from the Niger Delta.
“We want to do a major project to bring more gas than what Nigeria LNG is doing today,” Edwin said.
The company has also announced other ambitious targets:
- On May 26, the company announced a target of $7 million in daily fertiliser revenue within two years.
- In June, Dangote projected that Africa will become self-sufficient in fertiliser within 40 months.
- The Dangote Refinery plans to begin nationwide distribution of diesel and petrol by August 15.
- To support this, the conglomerate has acquired 4,000 CNG-powered tankers to boost fuel distribution across the country.
These developments solidify Dangote Group’s position as a major driver of Nigeria’s energy, export, and logistics sectors, aligning with broader national goals for industrial self-sufficiency and economic diversification.
