Nigerian conglomerate has launched preliminary processes for the construction of a multi-billion-dollar deep-sea port at the Olokola Free Trade Zone in southwestern Nigeria, as the company expands its footprint in logistics, maritime infrastructure and export-driven industrialisation.
The proposed port, which will span more than 10,000 hectares along Nigeria’s Atlantic coastline, forms part of the group’s broader Vision 2030 strategy aimed at transforming the company into a globally recognised industrial and manufacturing powerhouse.
According to the company, the deep-sea port will be located in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State and extend toward Ilaje Local Government Area in neighbouring Ondo State.
The facility is expected to serve as a strategic logistics and industrial hub for exports, imports and regional trade, while helping to ease congestion at Nigeria’s overstretched existing ports.
A delegation from, led by Managing Director for Infrastructure and Logistics Capt. Jamil Abubakar, visited host communities in Ogun and Ondo states to begin stakeholder consultations ahead of project implementation.
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Speaking during the engagement, Abubakar described the project as a major step toward unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential and strengthening Africa’s maritime trade capacity.
“The Olokola Port project is a major step in opening up Nigeria’s economic potential, strengthening trade, reducing pressure on existing ports, and supporting industrial growth,” he said.
“It will create real opportunities for host communities through jobs, business activities, and long-term development across both Ogun and Ondo states.”
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He added that the port’s strategic location would position it as a key gateway for exports and imports, boosting Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and international trade.
According to the company, the seaport has been designed as part of an integrated industrial ecosystem intended to support Africa’s growing regional commerce and logistics network.
The facility is expected to handle exports of fertilisers, petrochemicals and refined petroleum products produced by Dangote’s industrial operations, while also supporting future liquefied natural gas exports and imports of heavy industrial machinery.
The project would complement the group’s existing industrial investments, including the massive refinery and petrochemical complex near Lagos operated by.
Dangote officials said the company would maintain continuous engagement with host communities throughout the implementation process.
During the visit, company representatives, accompanied by surveyors and environmental consultants, toured the Ode-Omi community in Ogun State as well as the Araromi Seaside Kingdom and Igbokoda areas in Ondo State.
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Traditional rulers in the affected communities welcomed the proposed development and pledged support for the project.
The Lenuwa of Ode-Omi, Oba Folailu Adekunle Hassan, approved the commencement of preliminary surveys and related activities, including the enumeration of households, economic trees and compensation arrangements for affected residents.
“We have been expecting you for a long time. It is good that you are here today,” the monarch said during the engagement.
Similarly, the Alara of Araromi Seaside Kingdom, Oba Adeoloye Olawole, expressed strong support for the initiative, describing it as a major opportunity for economic transformation in the area.
The Dangote delegation also visited the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda, where military officials pledged cooperation with the company in support of national economic development.
Nigeria has increasingly sought to expand its maritime and logistics infrastructure to support trade growth, industrialisation and export diversification.
Analysts say new deep-sea ports could help reduce congestion at major facilities in Lagos, lower shipping costs and improve Nigeria’s role in regional commerce under the framework.
, Africa’s richest businessman and president of the Dangote Group, has in recent years accelerated investments across refining, petrochemicals, fertilisers, cement and infrastructure as part of efforts to deepen Nigeria’s industrial base.
The company said the Olokola seaport project is expected to create jobs, attract foreign investment and stimulate growth across sectors including manufacturing, logistics and services.
