By Our Correspondent

National News – Aliko Dangote has unveiled plans for a multi-billion-dollar deep seaport project at the Olokola Free Trade Zone in Ogun State as part of the company’s Vision 2030 industrial expansion strategy.

The proposed Olokola deep seaport, which will cover more than 10,000 hectares along the Atlantic coastline, is expected to boost Nigeria’s maritime trade, logistics operations, and export activities.

The project stretches from Ogun Waterside Local Government Area into Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Dangote Industries Limited confirmed that preliminary activities have already begun, including consultations with host communities, environmental assessments, and land surveys.

The company said the port would become a major logistics gateway for exports, imports, and industrial growth across West Africa.

Managing Director of Infrastructure and Logistics at Dangote Industries, Capt. Jamil Abubakar, led a delegation to communities in Ogun and Ondo states to discuss the project and seek cooperation ahead of construction.

According to Abubakar, the Olokola deep-sea port project is designed to reduce pressure on existing Nigerian ports while creating jobs, attracting foreign direct investment, and improving regional trade.

He explained that the facility would support the export of fertilisers, petrochemicals, refined petroleum products, and future liquefied natural gas shipments.

The port will also ease the importation of heavy industrial equipment needed for manufacturing and infrastructure development.

Traditional rulers in the affected communities welcomed the investment and pledged support for the project.

The Lenuwa of Ode-Omi, Oba Folailu Adekunle Hassan, and the Alara of Araromi Seaside Kingdom, Oba Adeoloye Olawole, described the planned seaport as a major economic opportunity for residents and businesses in the region.

Officials of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda also assured the company of security cooperation to support the development.

The Dangote Group stated that the project would strengthen Nigeria’s export diversification efforts and improve participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area.