By Isaac Okoro
LAGOS, Nigeria – Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest individual and head of the Dangote conglomerate, has reportedly submitted a proposal to construct what could be Nigeria’s largest and deepest seaport in Ogun State, southwestern Nigeria. The ambitious project, submitted to regional authorities in late June, aims to significantly enhance the group’s export logistics for its vast array of products, from fertilizers and oil to liquefied natural gas (LNG) and cement.
The proposed facility, if approved, is envisioned to be a cornerstone for Dangote’s extensive operations. The conglomerate, which spans various heavy industries, relies heavily on efficient logistics to distribute its products both domestically and internationally. The development of a state-of-the-art port would be crucial for exporting the vast output from its many plants.
The chosen site for the port is the Olokola Free Trade Zone (FTZ), a location with historical significance for Dangote. The conglomerate had previously abandoned plans within this very FTZ due to unresolved issues with the then-local administration. This past friction led to the relocation of key Dangote facilities, including major fertilizer and petrochemical plants, to areas near Lagos, approximately 100 kilometers from the proposed port site.
Despite the existing plants being situated closer to Lagos, the development of a dedicated, large-scale port in Ogun State underscores Dangote’s long-term vision for integrated logistics and a potential expansion of its industrial footprint. The strategic depth and capacity of the proposed port would allow it to handle larger vessels, potentially reducing shipping costs and improving the competitiveness of Nigerian exports.
It remains unclear, however, whether the comprehensive proposal submitted to Ogun State authorities has received official acceptance or is still under review. The successful approval of the project would mark a significant step for both the Dangote Group and Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure development
