Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has revealed that his company’s decision to reinvest in Ogun State was driven by Governor Dapo Abiodun’s vision and investor-friendly policies.
The billionaire businessman, who previously abandoned projects in the state, announced his company’s return with major investments, including the construction of Nigeria’s largest port at Olokola.
Speaking on Monday during a courtesy visit to Governor Abiodun at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Dangote commended the state’s pro-business climate, describing Ogun as Nigeria’s industrial bedrock.
“I will like to commend in a special way my good friend and brother, His Excellency, the governor of Ogun State, for his vision and deliberate policies that focus on attracting enterprises through immense support for the private sector,” Dangote said.
The industrialist recalled how his company previously struggled with its Itori cement plant due to demolitions but credited Abiodun’s leadership for creating a conducive business environment.
“Our factory at Itori was pulled down twice. When we started the second time, they did not only demolish the factory but also the fence, so we left. But now, because of His Excellency, we are back. When you get to the factory, you will be surprised at what we have done,” he stated.
Beyond reviving the Itori plant, Dangote disclosed that plans are underway to construct Nigeria’s largest port at the Olokola Free Trade Zone (OKFTZ), a project the company had earlier abandoned.
“We initially abandoned our vision for Olokola, but due to your policies and investor-friendly environment, we are back and ready to work with the state government,” he pledged.
Ogun Becomes Africa’s Cement Hub
Providing updates on ongoing projects, Dangote announced that two new production lines, each with a capacity of 6.0 million metric tons per annum, have been established at Itori.
Combined with the 12 million metric tons per annum capacity at Ibeshe, Ogun now leads as Africa’s largest cement-producing state.
“With the contributions of other cement producers, Ogun remains far ahead of other African countries in cement production,” he added.
Dangote further highlighted Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in cement production, attributing it to investments in local manufacturing.
He also noted that his 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery at Ibeju-Lekki is already meeting domestic fuel demand while supplying refined aviation fuel and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
Abiodun Hails Dangote’s Return
Governor Abiodun, in his response, expressed gratitude for Dangote’s renewed confidence in the state.
He recalled the disappointment of Ogun indigenes when the Dangote Refinery project was moved from Olokola to Lagos but welcomed the company’s decision to reinvest.
“The day the refinery groundbreaking was done in Lagos was a heartbreak for sons and daughters of Ogun State,” Abiodun admitted.
“But today, history is being made again. You are not just completing Itori, but you have also chosen to return and develop the biggest port in Nigeria. For this, I thank you.”
He emphasized that with the combined 18 million metric tons per annum cement production capacity from Itori and Ibeshe, Ogun is set to dominate the sub-Saharan African cement market.
Abiodun also commended Dangote’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, citing the company’s ongoing construction of the Interchange-Papalanto-Ilaro road.
He assured that his administration would continue to support industries that contribute to the state’s development.
“Your life and story continue to inspire young Nigerians. You have the Midas touch, and we are ready to work with you for the good of Ogun and Nigeria,” the governor concluded.
