Aliko Dangote Seeking to Build the Largest Seaport in Nigeria

Dangote to build largest seaport 

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, is taking bold strides to further solidify his industrial dominance by seeking regulatory approval to build Nigeria’s largest and deepest seaport in Olokola, Ogun State. This ambitious project is strategically located about 100 kilometres from his expansive fertiliser and petrochemical complex in Lagos, and it is expected to redefine Nigeria’s maritime logistics while boosting the country’s export infrastructure.

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The proposed Atlantic port will significantly enhance Dangote Group’s ability to export fertilizer, petrochemicals, and, in the near future, liquefied natural gas (LNG). It is poised to become a pivotal gateway for international trade. According to Bloomberg, this development marks a major expansion in Dangote’s logistics operations, with the new port potentially rivalling the Lekki Deep Sea Port, which began operations in 2023.

Speaking about the project, Dangote described it as “the biggest, deepest port in Nigeria” and expressed optimism that such large-scale private investment would inspire broader participation in the sector. He emphasized that while the group doesn’t intend to monopolize port development, the magnitude of this investment should encourage other entrepreneurs to get involved.

Currently, Dangote exports fertilizer and urea through a private jetty near his refinery. However, the new port aims to streamline and expand those capabilities, offering greater efficiency and capacity to handle a wider range of industrial exports.

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In addition to enhancing fertilizer exports, Dangote is also planning a major push into LNG exports. This move would involve constructing pipelines to transport natural gas from the resource-rich Niger Delta to the southern coast. The goal is to deliver more gas than Nigeria LNG Ltd., the nation’s largest LNG exporter, currently produces.

Natural gas from the Niger Delta already plays a key role in Dangote’s fertilizer operations, serving as feedstock for hydrogen production used in ammonia and urea manufacturing. The LNG expansion would build on this foundation and further position the Dangote Group as a global energy player.

Looking ahead, Dangote projects that his conglomerate will generate $30 billion in annual revenue by 2026. He also expressed confidence in overtaking Qatar to become the world’s leading urea exporter within four years. These developments underscore his long-term vision to reshape Africa’s economic future through large-scale, infrastructure-driven industrial growth.

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