This development marks a significant milestone in Dangote’s ambition to reshape Nigeria’s logistics and export infrastructure. The planned Atlantic seaport will sit approximately 100 kilometres from his expansive refinery and fertilizer plants in Lagos, promising to revolutionize the movement of goods, particularly fertilizers and liquefied natural gas (LNG), from his industrial empire to global markets.
A Game-Changing Development in Nigeria’s Maritime Landscape
During a recent interview in Lagos, Dangote confirmed that he had submitted the required paperwork in late June 2025, pushing forward a project he initially unveiled in March. Bloomberg first reported this development on Monday, July 14, noting the significance of the move within Nigeria’s broader infrastructure landscape.
According to the report, Dangote intends for the Olokola port to support his industrial group’s increasing export needs, especially as the conglomerate prepares to ramp up its production of urea and LNG. The proposed port will rival existing maritime infrastructure by offering deeper berths and more efficient handling capacity, directly supporting the massive logistics requirements of Dangote’s fertilizer and refinery facilities.
“This port project is designed not only to improve export efficiency but also to catalyze private sector investment in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector,” Dangote stated during the interview.
Olokola: A Strategic Location Reimagined
Notably, the Olokola site was once earmarked as the original location for the Dangote refinery and fertilizer complex before state-level issues forced a relocation to Lagos. Now, with improved relations between Dangote Group and the current Ogun State administration, the company is reviving plans to develop this long-overlooked site into a strategic economic hub.
The deep-sea port is expected to serve as a viable alternative to the Lekki Deep Sea Port, which currently dominates large-scale maritime trade in Nigeria. By establishing a second major port hub in the southwest, the Dangote Group aims to ease pressure on existing facilities, diversify trade routes, and improve the overall efficiency of Nigeria’s export system.
Expanding Logistics for a Growing Industrial Empire
Dangote’s current export activities depend on a dedicated jetty near the Lagos refinery, which also facilitates the import of heavy-duty equipment for plant operations. However, the new Olokola seaport will offer a far more integrated and scalable solution, aligning with the group’s aggressive expansion in energy, chemicals, and infrastructure.
In addition to fertilizers, the port will be equipped to handle the future export of liquefied natural gas—a major growth area for the Dangote Group. Plans are already underway to construct pipelines connecting the Niger Delta to Lagos. These pipelines will ensure the steady supply of natural gas, which the group intends to process and ship from Olokola. This move positions Dangote as a potential rival to Nigeria LNG Ltd., currently the country’s largest LNG exporter.
According to Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of the Dangote Group, the LNG initiative could significantly exceed the output of existing industry leaders, further enhancing Nigeria’s presence in global energy markets.
Fuel Distribution Plans Take Shape
In another sign of rapid expansion, Dangote also plans to roll out a nationwide fuel distribution network starting in August 2025. The group has acquired 4,000 gas-powered trucks to support this effort, enabling it to deliver petroleum products efficiently across Nigeria. This development comes as Dangote’s refinery begins operations and seeks to fulfill domestic demand while reducing the country’s reliance on fuel imports.
While critics have raised concerns about the group’s potential market dominance, Dangote has consistently dismissed allegations of monopolistic intent. Instead, he argues that the group’s investments fill longstanding infrastructure gaps and create much-needed competition in the sector.
“Our focus remains on building a competitive, efficient, and transparent energy market,” he said in response to recent criticism.
Encouraging Broader Participation in Infrastructure
Although the Dangote Group is spearheading the Olokola seaport project, the billionaire industrialist emphasized that his goal is not to dominate Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape alone. Instead, he aims to inspire other private-sector players to invest in critical projects that support economic growth.
“It’s not about doing everything ourselves,” Dangote said. “It’s about setting an example and creating the momentum for others to follow. Once we show what’s possible, more entrepreneurs will step up.”
He stressed that Nigeria’s long-term prosperity depends on the development of efficient ports, roadways, and energy infrastructure—all areas in which private-sector innovation can play a transformative role.
Nigeria’s Deep-Sea Ambitions Get a Boost
The Olokola port project arrives at a time when Nigeria’s trade volumes are increasing and congestion at existing seaports, particularly Apapa and Tin Can Island, has become a major bottleneck. Industry stakeholders have repeatedly called for alternative ports and more modern infrastructure to handle the growing needs of Africa’s largest economy.
By moving forward with this massive seaport, Dangote is answering that call. The facility is expected to include container terminals, bulk cargo handling areas, LNG export infrastructure, and advanced logistics platforms—all aimed at reducing turnaround times and enhancing global competitiveness.
Experts predict that the port will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, stimulate industrial growth across Ogun State, and create new opportunities for local and international businesses.
A Vision for National Transformation
Dangote’s recent moves reinforce his vision of creating a self-sustaining industrial base in Nigeria, where raw materials are processed locally and value-added goods are exported worldwide. This strategy not only enhances national economic resilience but also reduces the trade deficit and strengthens the naira by increasing export revenues.
His estimated net worth of $27.8 billion, as reported by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, underscores the scale of his influence. Yet, it is his relentless investment in Nigerian infrastructure—despite economic uncertainties and regulatory hurdles—that truly defines his legacy.
What Comes Next
With paperwork submitted and planning underway, attention will now shift to the approval timeline and eventual groundbreaking for the Olokola port. Given the scope and significance of the project, stakeholders across government and industry are closely monitoring developments.
As Dangote Group prepares to unveil its next chapter—spanning LNG exports, nationwide fuel distribution, and deep-sea logistics—one thing is clear: Nigeria’s industrial landscape is undergoing a historic transformation, and Dangote remains at the center of it.
By betting big on strategic infrastructure, Aliko Dangote is not only shaping the future of his conglomerate but also redrawing the map of Nigerian economic power.
