Industrialist Lauds Gov Abiodun’s Vision for Investment Growth
L – R, President / CE, Dangote Industries Ltd, Aliko Dangote, Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, Ogun state State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, during the President/CE of Dangote Industries Ltd and his team Visit Ogun state Governor,Abeokuta Ogun state on Monday 17 March 2025
Africa’s leading industrialist and President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has announced plans to develop Nigeria’s largest seaport at Olokola, Ogun State, alongside an expansion of cement production capacity with a new 6.0 million metric tons per annum (Mta) plant in Itori.
During a courtesy visit to Governor Dapo Abiodun at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Dangote praised the administration’s investor-friendly policies, which have influenced his decision to return and reinvest in the state. He described Ogun as a key industrial hub, positioning itself as the manufacturing powerhouse of Nigeria.
“We initially abandoned our investment plans at the Olokola Free Trade Zone, but due to the policies and commitment of Governor Abiodun’s administration, we are back. We are set to work with the state government to establish Nigeria’s largest port,” Dangote stated.
He also provided updates on Dangote Cement’s expansion efforts, revealing that two new production lines with a combined capacity of 6.0 Mta are under construction at Itori. This will complement the existing 12 Mta plant in Ibeshe, increasing Ogun’s total cement production capacity to 18 Mta—making it the largest cement-producing region in Africa.
Dangote emphasized that Ogun’s cement production, when combined with other manufacturers in the state, positions the region ahead of many African countries in cement output. He reiterated that Dangote Cement remains the continent’s largest producer, with a total capacity of 52 Mta, 70% of which comes from Nigeria.
He further highlighted the impact of his company’s investments in self-sufficiency for essential products, including cement, fertilizers, and petroleum products. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to meeting Nigeria’s domestic demand for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), aviation fuel, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) from its 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery at Ibeju-Lekki.
Expressing gratitude to the traditional rulers and communities of Itori for their support, Dangote assured continued corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives to drive local development.
Governor Abiodun Welcomes Dangote’s Return to Ogun
Governor Dapo Abiodun expressed delight at Dangote’s renewed commitment to Ogun State, recalling the disappointment felt when the initial Olokola project was moved to Lagos.
“The day you broke ground for the refinery in Lagos was a heartbreaking moment for Ogun State. However, today, March 17, 2025, marks a historic return as you bring not only a 6.0 Mta cement plant to Itori but also the largest seaport project in Nigeria,” Abiodun said.
He lauded Dangote’s contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth, job creation, and global reputation. He assured that the Ogun State government would continue to support Dangote Group’s investments, particularly in infrastructure development, such as the ongoing construction of the Papalanto-Interchange-Ilaro road.
Alhaji Dangote and Governor Abiodun later inspected the Itori Cement Plant under construction and the federal government’s concrete-paved Papalanto road project under the tax credit scheme. The delegation was received by traditional rulers, led by the Olu of Itori, Oba Abdulfatai Akorede Akamo, who commended Dangote for his patriotic investments that have spurred job creation and community development.
