By Stanley Onyeka, Lagos
Africa’s foremost Industrialist and President of the Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has disclosed of plan to build in Ogun State, a multi-billion-dollar Seaport, which will be the largest in Nigeria.
He also told the Ogun State Executive Council led by the Governor Dapo Abiodun during a courtesy visit, to the Government House at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, of new lines with a capacity of 6.0 million metric tons per annum (mmt/yr) for the cement plant being constructed at Itori.
Mr. Dangote said he returned to invest in Ogun State because of the Governor Abiodun’s vision and deliberate policies that focus on attracting investors, as well as the investor-friendly climate that exists in the state.
He described Ogun State as one of the most attractive investment destinations in Nigeria, positioning itself as the manufacturing ‘bedrock’ of Nigeria, according to the company’s statement.
He was quoted as saying: “We had earlier abandoned our vision of investing in the Olokola Free Trade Zone (OKFTZ), but because of your policies and investor-friendly environment, I want to say we are back and will work with the state government to return to Olokola, and plans are underway to construct the largest port in the country.”
He recalled: “Our factory at Itori was pulled down twice. When we started the second time, they not only demolished the factory but also the fence, so we left. But right now, because of His Excellency, our Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, we are back. When you visit the factory, you will be surprised at what we have done.”
Giving an update on the company’s ongoing projects in the state, Mr.Dangote said upon completion, the total capacity of the company’s cement plants in Ogun state would be about 18mmt/yr, making it the highest cement-producing state or region in Africa.
“With the contributions of other cement producers in the state, Ogun remains far ahead of other countries across Africa in terms of cement production,” he said.
Dangote Cement, according to the Dangote Group President, is the leading cement producer in Africa with a capacity of 52mmt/yr across the African continent.
He added that 70% of the production is carried out in Nigeria, with the Obajana plant in Kogi State accounting for 16.25mmt/yr, the largest in Africa.
…investment in the manufacturing of the product has made Nigeria self-sufficient in cement, just as the country is now self-sufficient in fertilizer, with the surplus going to the export market, thus earning the needed foreign exchange.
Cement manufacturing
Mr. Dangote said investment in the manufacturing of the product has made Nigeria self-sufficient in cement, just as the country is now self-sufficient in fertilizer, with the surplus going to the export market, thus earning the needed foreign exchange.
Nigeria, he said, is a growing economy; hence the need for private companies to complement government efforts, assuring that his company would continue to demonstrate its belief in the nation and its people by making investments targeted at transforming the nation’s economy.
He appreciated traditional rulers and the people of Itori for their support and partnership, which enabled the smooth and speedy take-off of the cement plant, and fostered smooth operations, while assuring continued adherence to its Corporate Social Responsibilities to the host communities.
Responding, Governor Abiodun described the day the Dangote Refinery groundbreaking was performed in Lagos as “the day of heartbreak for the sons and daughters of Ogun State as they watched helplessly on television,” saying it was an indication that the project had left Olokola.
He said: “I want to thank you for coming back to Ogun State and also for your belief and trust in your country, Nigeria. I want to thank you for all that you have done, the number of people you have employed, and the impact you continue to make not just in this state, but in Nigeria as a whole.
“The way you selflessly continue to promote this country all over the world, we can’t thank you enough. Your life and story continue to be an inspiring narrative for all young men. You have excelled in everywhere you touch; you have the Midas touch.
“These are indeed giant strides. For us in Ogun State, we welcome your return to the state. Today is a historic day, March 17, 2025, the same March when you did the groundbreaking in Lagos for the refinery, and you are now coming back in the month of March to Ogun State.
“Not only have you chosen to complete Itori, but you have also chosen to come back and develop the biggest port in Nigeria. For this, I thank you.”
The Governor lauded the company for not shirking its Corporate Social Responsibilities to the host communities, just as it is currently constructing the Inter-change-Papalato-Ilaro road, assuring that his administration is ready to work with the company for the good of the state and the nation as a whole.
