Aliko Dangote Plans Nigeria’s Largest Seaport to Expand Industrial Empire
Africa’s Richest Man Files Paperwork for Olokola Deep Sea Port Project
Lagos, Nigeria – Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest individual and industrial magnate, has initiated plans to construct Nigeria’s largest and deepest seaport in Olokola, Ogun State. This ambitious infrastructure project marks the latest expansion of his multibillion-dollar business empire.
In an exclusive interview with Bloomberg, Dangote confirmed submitting necessary documentation in late June 2025 for the seaport development. The proposed facility, strategically located approximately 100 kilometers from his Lekki refinery and fertilizer complex in Lagos, aims to transform Nigeria’s maritime logistics landscape.
Strategic Infrastructure for Economic Growth
The Olokola seaport will serve multiple purposes in Nigeria’s industrial ecosystem:
- Facilitate export of fertilizer, petrochemicals, and liquefied natural gas (LNG)
- Improve access to imported raw materials and industrial equipment
- Potentially rival China-backed Lekki Deep Sea Port (operational since 2023)
“It’s not that we want to do everything by ourselves,” Dangote told Bloomberg, “but I believe this kind of investment will inspire other entrepreneurs to get involved too.”
LNG Expansion Plans
The Dangote Group’s Vice President, Devakumar Edwin, revealed additional energy infrastructure plans:
“We want to do a major project to bring more gas than what NLNG is doing today. We know where there is a lot of gas, so run a pipeline all through and then bring it to the shore.”
This LNG project would require pipeline construction from Nigeria’s Niger Delta region to Lagos, potentially surpassing current output from Nigeria LNG Ltd., the continent’s largest LNG exporter operated through a government and multinational joint venture.
Dangote’s Expanding Industrial Footprint
The Nigerian billionaire’s business empire continues to diversify:
- Dangote Cement: Africa’s leading cement producer
- Refinery Operations: 650,000 barrel/day capacity refinery (began fuel production in 2024)
- Fertilizer Production: Large-scale plant sourcing gas from Niger Delta
- Sugar Manufacturing: Established domestic production
The delayed but now operational Dangote Refinery has significantly impacted Nigeria’s energy sector, producing diesel, naphtha, jet fuel, and petrol since 2024. Industry analysts credit the facility with reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products.
Financial Impact
Dangote’s net worth has experienced dramatic growth:
- 2024 valuation: $13.9 billion
- 2025 valuation: $23.9 billion (after Forbes included refinery valuation)
This infrastructure expansion comes as Nigeria seeks to strengthen its position as West Africa’s economic hub, with private sector investments complementing government development initiatives.
Source: Face2Face Africa