Dangote Submits Proposal for Nigeria’s “Biggest and Deepest” Port

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has taken a major step toward expanding his industrial footprint in Nigeria by submitting construction plans for what could become the country’s largest and deepest seaport. The proposal, reportedly filed in late June, was submitted by the Dangote Group to authorities in Ogun State, located in southwestern Nigeria.

The proposed port is set to be built within the Olokola Free Trade Zone, a strategic location that had previously been earmarked for a major industrial complex by the conglomerate. However, plans for the zone were shelved years ago due to unresolved disputes with the former state administration.

This new development signals a renewed push by the Dangote Group to establish a major logistics and industrial hub in the region. The port’s location – approximately 100 kilometers (60 miles) from Lagos – places it near several of the group’s key operations, including its massive fertilizer and petrochemical plants.

These industrial facilities were originally intended to be located in Ogun State. However, stalled negotiations with the previous state government led to their eventual relocation to Lagos, where they now operate at scale.

It remains to be seen whether the regional authorities will approve the new port proposal. If greenlit, the facility could significantly boost Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, ease congestion at the country’s existing ports, and enhance trade efficiency across West Africa.

As Nigeria continues to seek ways to diversify its economy and improve logistics capacity, the Dangote Group’s potential investment underscores the private sector’s growing role in shaping the nation’s industrial future.