Aliko Dangote Plans Massive Seaport in Ogun State to Expand Fertilizer and LNG Exports
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, is advancing plans to build a massive deep-sea port near his fertilizer and oil refinery complexes in a strategic move to streamline exports and support the growth of his industrial empire.
In a recent interview in Lagos, Dangote revealed that his group submitted formal documentation in late June to initiate construction of what he called “the biggest, deepest port in Nigeria.”
The new Atlantic port will be situated in Olokola, Ogun State—approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) from his sprawling fertilizer and petrochemical facilities in Lagos, according to Bloomberg.
Currently, Dangote relies on a private jetty near the refinery to export fertilizer and urea, and to import heavy equipment needed for operations.
This new infrastructure project is expected to significantly enhance logistics and export capabilities across the Dangote Group.
The port may eventually compete with major maritime hubs like the Lekki Deep Sea Port, which began operations in 2023 with support from Chinese investors.
“It’s not that we want to do everything by ourselves,” Dangote said. “But I believe this kind of investment will inspire other entrepreneurs to get involved too.”
In addition to boosting fertilizer exports, Dangote also intends to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Lagos.
According to Devakumar Edwin, vice president of the Dangote Group, this ambitious venture will require the construction of new pipelines from the Niger Delta.
“We want to undertake a major project that will bring in more gas than what Nigeria LNG Ltd. is doing today,” said Dangote.
Nigeria LNG is a joint venture between the Nigerian government, Shell Plc, Eni SpA, and TotalEnergies SE.
Dangote already uses natural gas from the Niger Delta to fuel his massive fertilizer plant, where gas serves as a feedstock to produce hydrogen for ammonia—a crucial ingredient in fertilizer manufacturing.
Backed by bold investments and long-term strategic planning, Dangote believes Africa could be transformed into an economic “heaven” within just five years.
Earlier this year, he stated that the Dangote Group is on track to generate $30 billion in annual revenue by next year.
He also projected that the company could surpass Qatar and become the world’s largest exporter of urea within the next four years.
