… attributes mega project to Governor Abiodun’s administration investor-friendly policies
Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
The President of the Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has declared the readiness of the conglomerate to build a multi-billion dollar seaport in Olokola Free Trade Zone in Ogun State.
Dangote who made this known while addressing the Ogun State Executive Council during a courtesy visit to Governor Dapo Abiodun at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, disclosed that the seaport will be the largest in Nigeria when completed.
He informed the Executive Council that he has decided to return and invest in Ogun State because of the Governor Abiodun administration’s vision and deliberate policies that focus on attracting investors, as well as the investor-friendly climate that exists in the state.
The foremost industrialist noted that Ogun is one of the most attractive investment destinations in Nigeria, which has positioned itself as the manufacturing bedrock of Nigeria.
Dangote explained further that his company had earlier abandoned the vision of investing in the Olokola Free Trade Zone (OKFTZ), stressing that attractive policies and investor-friendly environments created by the incumbent administration in the state encouraged him to return to the Olokola FTZ.
“I want to say we are back and will work with the state government to return to Olokola, and plans are underway to construct the largest port in the country.
“I would especially like to commend, in a special way, my good friend and brother, Your Excellency, the governor of Ogun State, for your vision and deliberate policies that focus on attracting enterprises through immense support for the private sector, which is now attracting investors.
“Our factory at Itori was pulled down twice. When we started the second time, they not only demolished the factory but also the fence, so we left. But right now, because of His Excellency, our governor, Dapo Abiodun, we are back. When you visit the factory, you will be surprised at what we have done”, Dangote stated.
Giving an update on the company’s ongoing projects in the state, Dangote said two new lines with a capacity of 6.0 million metric tons per annum for the cement plant is being constructed at Itori in Ewekoro Local Government Area, while the 12 million metric tons per annum cement plant is also located at Ibese in Yewa North Local Government Area.
He added that upon completion, the total capacity of the company’s cement plants in the state would be in the neighborhood of 18 million metric tons per annum, making it the highest cement-producing state or region in Africa.
“With the contributions of other cement producers in the state, Ogun remains far ahead of other countries across Africa in terms of cement production,” he said.
Dangote Cement, according to the Dangote Group President, is the leading cement producer in Africa with a capacity of 52.0 million metric tons per annum across the African continent.
He added that 70 percent of the production is carried out in Nigeria, with the Obajana Plant in Kogi State accounting for 16.25 million metric tons per annum, the largest in Africa.
He said investment in the manufacturing of the product has made the nation self-sufficient in cement, just as the country is now self-sufficient in fertilizer, with the surplus going to the export market, thus earning the nation the needed foreign exchange.
While noting that the company’s target is to make Nigeria self-sufficient in whatever it consumes, Dangote informed that the company is currently meeting domestic demand for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from its 650,000 barrels per day refinery at Ibeju-Lekki, as well as refined aviation fuel and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
He noted that Nigeria is a growing economy and will need private companies to complement government efforts, assuring that his company would continue to demonstrate its belief in the nation and its people by making investments targeted at transforming the nation’s economy.
He, however, appreciated traditional rulers and the people of Itori town for their support and partnership, which enabled the smooth and speedy take-off of the cement plant.
He submitted that the encouragement from the people of Yewaland had also fostered smooth operations, assuring continued adherence to its Corporate Social Responsibilities to the host communities.
In his response, Governor Abiodun said that the day the Dangote Refinery groundbreaking was performed in Lagos was a day of heartbreak for the sons and daughters of Ogun State as they watched helplessly how a mega project planned for the state moved to Lagos.
“For us in Ogun State, we welcome your return to the state. Today is a historic day and month. This is the same March when you did the groundbreaking in Lagos for the refinery, and you are now coming back in the month of March to Ogun State.
“Not only have you chosen to complete the Itori Cement Plant, but you have also chosen to come back and develop the biggest port in Nigeria. For this, I thank you.
“The way you selflessly continue to promote this country all over the world, we can’t thank you enough. Your life and story continue to be an inspiring narrative for all young men. You have excelled in everywhere you touch; you have the Midas touch”, the governor stated
Abiodun, however, emphasized that with the establishment of the Itori cement plant, proposed to produce six million metric tons of cement per annum, and the existing Ibese plant, producing 12 million metric tons, cement production in the state would total 18 million metric tons per annum, making it the largest cement producer in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.
The governor further lauded the company for not shirking its Corporate Social Responsibilities to the host communities, just as it is currently constructing the Inter-change-Papalato-Ilaro road, assuring that his administration is ready to work with the company for the good of the state and the nation as a whole.
Dangote and his team later led the governor to the new cement plant under construction at Itori.
The entourage also inspected the ongoing Papalanto concrete paved road being constructed under the tax credit scheme of the Federal Government.
Displaying 20250317_115718.jpg.Next