Aliko Dangote Files Plans to Build Nigeria’s Deepest Seaport in Olokola Free Trade Zone
🗓️ 16 July 2025
🖋️ Byline: IDNN Industry & Maritime Economy Desk
Lagos, Nigeria – In a bold move that could redefine Nigeria’s industrial and maritime landscape, Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has officially submitted paperwork to begin construction of a deep-sea port in the Olokola Free Trade Zone (FTZ) in Ogun State.
The announcement was revealed in an exclusive Bloomberg interview published Monday, confirming that the submission was made in late June 2025.
“The biggest, deepest port in Nigeria is coming — and we’re ready,” Dangote said.
“This is not just about Dangote Group. It’s about pushing the boundaries of what Nigerian industry can achieve.”
Why Olokola? Strategic Location and Industrial Vision
Located roughly 100 kilometers from Dangote’s Lekki refinery, Olokola was initially considered for the oil and gas complex but was shelved due to prior state-level political complications.
Dangote is now returning to Olokola to anchor it as a new logistics and export hub, particularly for:
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Fertilizers
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Urea
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Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
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Heavy equipment for refinery and petrochemical operations
The deep seaport is expected to rival or surpass the Lekki Deep Sea Port, offering more draft depth and port efficiency, especially for bulk exports and strategic fuel distribution.
“We’re not doing this just to monopolise ports — this is to open up new industrial corridors,” Dangote added.
Pipeline, LNG, and Fuel Distribution Network in the Works
As part of the broader expansion, the Dangote Group is also:
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Constructing natural gas pipelines from the Niger Delta to Lagos.
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Exploring LNG export capacity that could outpace Nigeria LNG Ltd, the country’s current leading LNG exporter.
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Deploying 4,000 gas-powered distribution trucks to fuel a nationwide downstream delivery operation by August 2025.
This all comes amid ongoing allegations of monopolistic expansion — accusations Dangote has rejected outright.
“We’re not here to block anyone. We’re here to scale Nigeria’s industrial capacity,” he said.
Industry Reactions and Economic Impact
Industry watchers say the Olokola port, once operational, could:
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Cut congestion at Lagos ports
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Position Ogun State as a national trade gateway
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Strengthen Dangote Group’s vertical integration
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Spark renewed investor interest in FTZ projects across Nigeria’s coastal belt
“This isn’t just a Dangote play — it’s a logistics revolution,” said maritime analyst Funmi Ajibola.
A Second Chance for Olokola FTZ
The Olokola zone had languished for over a decade after political tensions stalled the original refinery plans.
With improved relations under the current Ogun State administration, Dangote’s return signals a resurrection of the zone’s original vision — turning it into a national export engine.
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