Dangote begins community engagement in Ogun, Ondo for Olokola Deep Seaport project

Ahead of the commencement of the proposed Olokola Deep Seaport project, Dangote Group has intensified consultations with host communities in Ogun and Ondo as part of preparations for the multi-billion-dollar maritime infrastructure development.

A delegation from Dangote Industries Limited, led by the Managing Director of Infrastructure and Logistics, Jamil Abubakar, visited several communities within the proposed project corridor to sensitise residents and secure local support ahead of surveying and enumeration activities.

The planned deep seaport forms part of the broader industrial expansion strategy of Dangote Group President, Aliko Dangote, aimed at boosting Africa’s maritime trade capacity and strengthening regional commerce under the company’s Vision 2030 growth agenda.

The Olokola Free Trade Zone spans more than 10,000 hectares along the Atlantic coastline between Ogun and Ondo states and is strategically positioned near the Lekki-Epe economic corridor.

Among the communities visited were Ode-Omi in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State, as well as Araromi Seaside Kingdom and Igbokoda in Ondo State.

At Ode-Omi, the delegation was received by the Lenuwa of Ode-Omi, Oba Folailu Adekunle Hassan, alongside community chiefs and youth leaders. The monarch welcomed the project and expressed optimism about its economic benefits.

“We have been expecting you for long. It is good that you are here today. Do your best and we will all benefit from this process,” the traditional ruler said.

The monarch also approved the commencement of survey activities, including the enumeration of households, economic trees and compensation assessments for residents likely to be affected by the project.

In Ondo State, the team met with the Alara of Araromi Seaside Kingdom, Oba Adeoloye Olawole, who pledged both physical and spiritual support for the initiative.

“We have been waiting for you and for this project to commence. We are going to give you physical and spiritual support,” the monarch stated.

Speaking during the engagements, Capt. Abubakar described the proposed deep seaport as a strategic project expected to unlock Nigeria’s economic potential, ease pressure on existing ports and stimulate industrial growth.

“The Olokola Deep Sea project is a major step in opening up Nigeria’s economic potential, strengthening trade, reducing pressure on existing ports and supporting industrial growth,” he said.

According to him, the project would create employment opportunities, expand commercial activities and position Olokola as a major gateway for imports and exports in West Africa.

The delegation also visited the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda, where the Acting Commanding Officer, Lt. Commander A.A. Makinwa, assured the company of collaboration in support of national economic development.

Dangote Group said the seaport project is expected to drive large-scale investment in logistics, manufacturing and related sectors while boosting Nigeria’s participation in intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.

The project is also projected to generate significant direct and indirect jobs and strengthen export diversification and foreign exchange earnings for the country.