Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, is positioning his vast business empire for an ambitious expansion, with plans underway to construct what could become Nigeria’s deepest and most significant seaport. The proposed project, submitted by the Dangote Group in late June 2025, is set to be located in the Olokola Free Trade Zone in Ogun State, southwestern Nigeria.
The Dangote conglomerate, a dominant force in Africa’s industrial and manufacturing landscape, has long held a strategic interest in improving the logistics and distribution capacity of its extensive operations. With business interests spanning fertiliser, cement, oil, liquefied natural gas, and petrochemicals, the group’s success increasingly hinges on efficient export infrastructure—and a port of this magnitude could be the game-changer.
According to documents submitted to the Ogun State government, the proposed port would not only be the deepest in Nigeria but potentially one of the most advanced in West Africa. If approved and executed as planned, it would serve as a critical export and import hub, particularly for Dangote’s fertiliser and petrochemical plants, as well as other regional and international cargo.
The Olokola Free Trade Zone, the proposed site for the port, is strategically positioned approximately 100 kilometers from the Lagos coast, where Dangote currently operates massive fertiliser and petrochemical facilities. Originally, these industrial plants were intended to be located within the Free Trade Zone itself. However, prolonged disagreements and unresolved negotiations between the Dangote Group and the previous Ogun State administration forced the company to relocate the plants to Lekki, near Lagos.
The return to Olokola signifies a potential thaw in relations with the new state leadership and a renewed willingness to invest heavily in Ogun’s industrial future. Analysts say the port could be a transformative project not only for the Dangote Group but for Nigeria’s wider maritime and export economy.
Although the Ogun State government has yet to issue an official response or approval for the proposal, sources close to the matter suggest that the new administration is more open to infrastructure partnerships with major private sector players. Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration has reportedly indicated interest in revitalising the long-dormant Free Trade Zone, a vision that aligns closely with Dangote’s industrial goals.
If approved, the port would play a critical role in complementing the operations of the existing Lekki Deep Sea Port, which began commercial activity in 2023. Dangote’s entry into Ogun’s port space would bring competition and potentially drive improvements in service delivery, cost-efficiency, and cargo handling capacity.
Industry experts say the port could significantly reduce congestion at Lagos ports, which remain overstretched and plagued by logistics bottlenecks. By providing a viable alternative route for bulk exports such as fertilisers, cement, and petrochemicals, the new port would support Nigeria’s non-oil export diversification strategy.
Moreover, the project could catalyse broader economic development in Ogun State, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs in construction, logistics, warehousing, and port services. Local communities near the Free Trade Zone are also likely to benefit from improved infrastructure, including roads, power supply, and industrial amenities.
“This project, if realised, would be a win-win for both the state and the investor,” noted Nigerian economist Dr. Emmanuel Ajayi. “Dangote is not just building a port; he is expanding Nigeria’s capacity to compete in global trade. Ogun State must seize this opportunity.”
However, the proposal is not without its challenges. Environmental approvals, land acquisition issues, and financing for such a massive undertaking will require multi-stakeholder coordination. There is also the question of how the proposed port will integrate with national transportation plans, including rail and road infrastructure needed to move goods efficiently from the hinterland to the coast.
Observers believe the federal government’s position on the matter will be crucial. With Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy recently highlighting the need for more deep-sea port investments across the country, the political climate appears favourable. Additionally, President John Mahama’s regional engagement with West African partners could see increased collaboration on cross-border trade, potentially enhancing the port’s viability as a regional hub.
The Dangote Group has not officially commented on the proposal beyond confirming the submission to state authorities. However, sources within the conglomerate suggest that the project is a central piece in Aliko Dangote’s long-term strategy to dominate Africa’s logistics and exports value chain.
The Olokola Free Trade Zone was once envisioned as a major industrial corridor, with plans dating back over a decade. Several projects, including a refinery and port, were shelved due to lack of coordination between the public and private sectors. Dangote’s renewed interest may finally bring those long-delayed dreams to life.
As stakeholders await a decision from the Ogun State government, expectations are high. The proposed port could usher in a new era for Nigerian maritime trade, improve regional competitiveness, and affirm Dangote’s place as a visionary business leader driving Africa’s industrial transformation.
If approved and constructed as envisioned, the Olokola port will not only deepen Nigeria’s logistical capabilities but also serve as a model for private-public infrastructure partnerships across the continent.
