Dangote Moves to Build Nigeria’s Largest Seaport in Ogun, Set to Boost Exports and LNG

Abeokuta, Ogun State – Africa’s wealthiest individual, Aliko Dangote, is advancing ambitious plans to construct Nigeria’s largest and deepest seaport in Olokola, Ogun State. This significant undertaking marks a pivotal expansion of the Dangote Group’s industrial footprint, aiming to significantly enhance export capabilities and streamline logistics for his sprawling empire.

Mr. Dangote confirmed in a recent interview in Lagos that formal paperwork was submitted in late June to commence construction on the groundbreaking project. The proposed Atlantic seaport will be strategically located in Olokola, approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the group’s massive fertilizer and petrochemical facilities situated in Lagos.

The initiative is designed to provide an integrated logistics solution for the Dangote Group’s burgeoning operations. It is expected to rival existing infrastructure, including the Chinese-funded Lekki Deep Sea Port, which became operational in 2023. Currently, the Dangote Group utilizes a private jetty near its refinery for exporting fertilizer and urea, as well as receiving heavy industrial equipment. The new deep seaport will alleviate capacity limitations and further integrate the group’s logistics and export activities.

Beyond facilitating fertilizer exports, the visionary project also includes plans for shipping liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Lagos. This ambitious component will necessitate the construction of pipelines extending from Nigeria’s gas-rich Niger Delta. Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of the Dangote Group, highlighted that this venture aims to significantly increase gas transmission, surpassing the current operations of Nigeria LNG Ltd., the country’s leading LNG exporter.

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The move to Olokola represents a return for Dangote, who had previously abandoned investment plans in the Olokola Free Trade Zone due to past administrative challenges. However, under the current administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun, a more investor-friendly environment has paved the way for the revival of this crucial project.

Dangote’s broader vision is rooted in transforming Africa into an economic powerhouse. Earlier this year, he announced that the Dangote Group is on track to generate $30 billion in revenue by next year. Furthermore, he has set an ambitious target for Nigeria to surpass Qatar and become the world’s largest urea exporter within four years, underscoring the long-term strategic importance of this new seaport in achieving those goals.