• Dangote returns, to build Nigeria’s largest seaport in Ogun
By Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
President, Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has told Governor Dapo Abiodun and his Executive Council of the readiness of the conglomerate to build a multibillion-dollar seaport in Ogun State: “The seaport will be the largest in Nigeria when completed.”
He said he decided to return and invest in the state because of the Abiodun administration’s “vision and deliberate policies that focus on attracting investors, as well as the investor-friendly climate that exists in the state. Ogun is one of the most attractive investment destinations in Nigeria, which has positioned itself as the manufacturing bedrock of Nigeria.”
He explained that his company had earlier abandoned the vision of investing in the Olokola Free Trade Zone (OKFTZ): “Attractive policies and investor-friendly environments created by the incumbent administration in the state encouraged us to return to the Olokola FTZ. I want to say we are back and will work with the state government to return to Olokola. 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, the governor, 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 our governor, we are back. When you visit the factory, you will be surprised at what we have done.
“Two new lines with a capacity of 6.0 million metric tonnes per annum for the cement plant is being constructed at Itori in Ewekoro Local Government. The 12 million metric tonnes per annum cement plant is also located at Ibese in Yewa North Local Government.
“Upon completion, the total capacity of the company’s cement plants in the state will be in the neighbourhood of 18 million metric tonnes 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.
“Dangote Cement is the leading cement producer in Africa, with a capacity of 52.0 million metric tonnes per annum across. Seventy per cent of the production is carried out in Nigeria, with the Obajana Plant in Kogi State accounting for 16.25 million metric tonnes per annum, the largest in Africa.
“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.
“The company’s target is to make Nigeria self-sufficient in whatever it consumes. 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 is a growing economy and will need private companies to complement government efforts. The company will continue to demonstrate its belief in the nation and its people by making investments targeted at transforming the nation’s economy.”
Dangote appreciated traditional rulers and people of Itori for their support and partnership, which enabled the smooth and speedy take-off of the cement plant: “The encouragement from the people of Yewa land also fostered smooth operations.” He pledged continued adherence to its Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) to the host communities.
Abiodun said the day the Dangote Refinery ground breaking was performed in Lagos was a day of heartbreak for sons and daughters of Ogun State, as they watched helplessly how a mega project planned for the state moved to Lagos: “We welcome your return to the state. Today is a historic day and month. This is the same March when you did the ground breaking in Lagos for the refinery. 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.
“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 lauded the company for not shirking its CSR to the host communities, just as it is currently constructing the Inter-change-Papalato-Ilaro Road: “This administration is ready to work with Dangote for the good of the state and the nation as a whole.”
Dangote and his team led the governor to the new cement plant under construction at Itori. The entourage also inspected the on going Papalanto concrete paved road being constructed under the tax credit scheme of the Federal Government.