Dangote Completes Paperwork to Build Nigeria’s Biggest and Deepest Seaport

Aliko Dangote, president of the Dangote Group, has submitted paperwork to begin construction of what he describes as the “biggest, deepest seaport in Nigeria.” The planned Atlantic seaport will be located in Olokola, Ogun State, and is expected to boost exports, including liquefied natural gas (LNG), while reinforcing the rapid expansion of his industrial operations.

In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Dangote confirmed that the necessary application was filed last month to secure approval for the project. He said the move is not just about expanding his business interests but also aims to attract more private sector participation in the nation’s port infrastructure.

This development signals a return to Olokola, the same site where Dangote had earlier shelved plans for a refinery and fertiliser complex following disagreements with local authorities. He recently cited renewed support from Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun as a key reason for reviving projects in the area.

Further outlining the group’s ambitions, Devakumar Edwin, vice-president of the Dangote Group, revealed that the company intends to export LNG from Lagos. The initiative includes the construction of new pipelines from the gas-rich Niger Delta to the coast, with plans to handle volumes surpassing those of Nigeria LNG.

These announcements come amid a wave of activity from Dangote Industries Limited. In May, Dangote projected that the company would generate $7 million in daily revenue from fertiliser sales within two years. A month later, the group confirmed that its refinery will begin nationwide distribution of diesel and petrol on August 15. To support this, 4,000 new compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered tankers have been acquired.

Speaking at the end of June, Dangote also stated that Africa is on track to become self-sufficient in fertiliser production within the next 40 months.