Olokola Deep Seaport: Dangote Engages Ogun, Ondo Host Communities Ahead Project Takeoff

Olokola Deep Seaport: Dangote Engages Ogun, Ondo Host Communities Ahead Project Takeoff

The Dangote Group has commenced stakeholder engagement with host communities in Ogun and Ondo States ahead of the takeoff of the proposed Olokola Deep Seaport Project located within the Olokola Free Trade Zone (OKFTZ).

A high-powered delegation led by the Managing Director, Infrastructure and Logistics, Dangote Industries Limited, Capt. Jamil Abubakar, visited communities within the proposed project area to sensitise residents and seek traditional approval for preliminary survey activities.

The proposed deep seaport project forms part of the vision of President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, to strengthen Africa’s maritime trade capacity and boost regional commerce and logistics. The initiative is also aligned with the Group’s Vision 2030 strategy aimed at generating annual revenue of $100 billion while supporting Africa’s economic development.

The Olokola Free Trade Zone covers over 10,000 hectares along the Atlantic coastline, spanning Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State and extending into Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. The zone is located less than 100 kilometres east of Lagos and lies along the Gulf of Guinea, adjacent to the Lekki-Epe corridor.

Among the communities visited by the delegation were Ode-Omi community in Ogun State, Araromi Seaside Kingdom and Igbokoda town in Ondo State.

At Ode-Omi, the delegation was received by the Lenuwa of Ode-Omi, Oba Folailu Adekunle Hassan (Oshotekun II), alongside chiefs, baales and youth leaders. The monarch welcomed the proposed development and granted approval for Dangote Group to begin survey activities in the area.

“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 monarch said.

The survey activities, according to the delegation, will include enumeration of households, economic trees and compensation assessment for settlements that may be affected by the project.

In Ondo State, the team visited the Araromi Seaside Kingdom where they met with the Alara of Araromi Seaside Kingdom, HRM Oba Adeoloye Olawole, palace chiefs and youth leaders.

The monarch expressed support for the project, describing it as long-awaited by the community.

“We have been waiting for you and for this project to commence. We are going to give you physical and spiritual support. If it is possible for this project to begin tomorrow, you are welcome,” the royal father stated.

Speaking during the engagement, Capt. Abubakar described the Olokola Deep Seaport Project as a strategic infrastructure initiative that would unlock Nigeria’s economic potential, reduce pressure on existing ports and support 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. It will create real opportunities for host communities through jobs, business activities and long-term developments across both Ogun and Ondo states,” he said.

He added that the project’s strategic coastal location would position it as a major gateway for imports and exports, thereby improving Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global trade.

The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State, where the Acting Commanding Officer, Lt. Commander A.A. Makinwa, pledged collaboration with the company in support of national economic development.

A key outcome of the visit was the endorsement by the traditional rulers and community leaders for Dangote Group to mobilise to the project site and commence surveying and enumeration activities ahead of full project implementation.

The proposed Olokola Deep Seaport is expected to drive direct and indirect job creation, attract foreign direct investment and stimulate sectors such as logistics, manufacturing and services.

Industry analysts believe the project could also strengthen Nigeria’s export capacity and improve participation in intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), while positioning Olokola as a major logistics and industrial hub in West Africa.