Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest man and president of Dangote Industries Limited, has set his sights on the Nigerian liquefied natural gas market, a sector long dominated by state-backed Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG). The ambitious move is anchored by a vision for a vast, integrated industrial and energy ecosystem centred around a new deep-sea port in Olokola, Ogun State.
In a recent LinkedIn post titled ‘Relaunching Olokola: My Vision for an Industrial and Connected Nigeria’, Dangote revealed the submission of an application for the development of this large-scale seaport. He indicated that the Olokola site, which he originally envisioned over a decade ago for his refinery and fertilizer complex, is now once again central to his strategic aspirations.
“I have just taken another step in building our industrial future. I have submitted an application for the development of a large-scale seaport in Olokola, in Ogun State, southwest Nigeria. This site, which I envisioned more than ten years ago to house our refinery and fertilizer complex, is now once again at the heart of our strategy.
“A port to support our energy ambition. Our ambition is clear: to build Nigeria’s largest deep-sea seaport to facilitate the export of our industrial and energy products. This port will become an anchor for our liquefied natural gas (LNG), fertilizers, and fuels, while streamlining the supply chain that supports our growth,” he said.
The move into LNG signifies a direct challenge to NLNG’s entrenched position, which has historically been the sole major player in Nigeria’s liquefaction and export sector. Dangote, however, expressed confidence in offering a strong and competitive alternative, believing it can generate even greater value for Nigeria.
Beyond the port, the integrated strategy involves the construction of a gas pipeline directly connecting the gas-rich Niger Delta to Olokola. This pipeline, he noted, will leverage the abundant gas resources already utilised by his fertilizer plant and ammonia production facilities. Dangote described this pipeline as potentially becoming a truly beneficial energy backbone for the country, dependent on resources from the South to international markets.
Addressing potential criticisms of market dominance, Dangote stated that he is not pursuing this project with the aim of creating a monopoly. Instead, he expressed hope that his initiative would inspire and pave the way for other African entrepreneurs. He also acknowledged the critical need for infrastructure in Nigeria and asserted the responsibility of the private sector to step in when the state alone cannot provide it.
Dangote Industries is slated to launch a massive fleet of 4,000 tanker trucks in August 2025,designed for the direct distribution of its refined fuels across Nigeria. This, the Dangote Industries Limited president explained, is not an attempt at hegemony but a logistical necessity, making strategic sense given his substantial investment in Africa’s largest refinery. Mastering the logistics, he argues, is crucial to ensuring an efficient and stable supply of petroleum products nationwide.
“We are building a gas pipeline that will connect the Niger Delta to Olokola. This region is abundant in gas, a resource we already use for our fertilizer plant and ammonia production. This pipeline could become a truly beneficial energy backbone for the country, dependent on resources from the South to international markets.
“Yes, I want us to occupy our place in the LNG market, currently dominated by Nigeria LNG Ltd. But I am convinced that we can offer a robust and competitive alternative, capable of creating even more value for Nigeria,” he added.
This strategic expansion into LNG and integrated logistics follows Dangote’s successful ventures in cement, sugar, and fertilisers, culminating in the recent commissioning of his multi-billion-dollar refinery. He views the Olokola port as the missing piece of a puzzle the company has been assembling for years, aiming to consolidate his industrial empire’s self-sufficiency and export capabilities.
Dangote assured that the Olokola project is poised to transform Nigeria’s coastline into a formidable logistics and energy hub. This development, he believes, will reduce the country’s dependence on already congested existing ports and attract a new wave of international investors.
