Africa’s foremost industrialist and President of the
Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has disclosed his plan to build in
Ogun State, a multi-billion-dollar Seaport, which will be the largest in
Nigeria.
He also said two new lines with a capacity of 6.0 million metric tons per annum
for the cement plant is being constructed at Itori.
Addressing the Ogun State Executive Council led by the
Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, during a courtesy visit, to the governor in his
office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Dangote said he has decided to return and invest
in Ogun State because of the Prince Dapo Abiodun administration’s vision and
deliberate policies that focus on attracting investors, as well as the
investor-friendly climate that exists in the state.
He said Ogun State is one of the most attractive investment destinations in
Nigeria, positioning itself as the manufacturing ‘bedrock’ of Nigeria.
According to him: “We had earlier abandoned our vision of investing in the
Olokola Free Trade Zone (OKFTZ), but because of your policies and
investor-friendly environment, 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, Prince Dapo Abiodun, we are back.
When you visit the factory, you will be surprised at what we have done”.
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, while the 12 million metric tons
per annum cement plant is also located at Ibeshe.
Upon completion, Dangote assured, 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 per cent 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).
Nigeria, he said, is a growing economy; hence the need for 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 appreciated traditional rulers and the people of Itori for their support and
partnership, which enabled the smooth and speedy take-off of the cement plant,
adding that the encouragement from the people of Yewaland had fostered smooth
operations, assuring continued adherence to its Corporate Social
Responsibilities to the host communities.
Responding, Abiodun described the day the Dangote Refinery groundbreaking was
performed in Lagos as “the day of heartbreak for the sons and daughters of Ogun
State as they watched helplessly on television,” saying it was an indication
that the project had left Olokola.
He said: “I want to thank you for coming back to Ogun State and also for your
belief and trust in your country, Nigeria. I want to thank you for all that you
have done, the number of people you have employed, and the impact you continue
to make not just in this state, but in Nigeria as a whole.
“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.
“These are indeed giant strides. For us in Ogun State, we welcome your return
to the state. Today is a historic day, March 17, 2025, 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 Itori, but you have also chosen to come
back and develop the biggest port in Nigeria. For this, I thank you.”
Abiodun emphasised that with the establishment of the Itori cement plant,
proposed to produce six million metric tons of cement per annum, and the
existing Ibeshe 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 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 team was received by traditional rulers from host communities in Yewaland
led by Olu of Itori, Oba Abdulfatai Akorede Akamo, who praised Dangote for his
patriotism as displayed in his many investments which have led to massive job
creation and communities development.
The governor and Dangote’s entourage also inspected the ongoing Papalanto
concrete paved road being constructed under the tax Credit scheme of the
federal government.
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