If the government approves, Dangote will start building Olokola Port, Africa’s largest and deepest seaport, this year
Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, has announced plans to build the Olokola Port in Ogun State to bolster Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure. The port will be the largest and deepest in Africa, a significant milestone in the development of port infrastructure across the continent.
The announcement was made following a meeting with the Board of Directors of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA), where Dangote detailed the urgent need for improved port operations across several parts of the continent.
According to reports from Zawya.com, his decision to initiate the Olokola Port project was influenced by noticeable operational challenges faced by numerous ports across the region. Delays in handling cargo and vessels due to outdated infrastructure have severely hampered business activities.
“A lot of ports in Africa still face serious operational delays. Some vessels wait for days, and this is making business very difficult,” Dangote said. He expressed his concern that the inefficiencies within the current system continue to restrict economic growth and complicate trade dynamics on the continent.
Emphasising the critical role of private sector involvement, Dangote asserted, “It is not really the job of governments to build and run ports alone. The private sector should create those investments, invest heavily, while governments focus on regulation and revenue collection.” He believes this collaboration approach is essential in overcoming the operational bottlenecks that plague existing port facilities.
If all goes as planned, construction of Olokola Port could commence within the year, paving the way for a transformative impact on Nigeria’s ports and potentially establishing a new benchmark for maritime operations throughout the continent.
This bold initiative from Aliko Dangote not only promises to reshape Nigeria’s economic landscape but also aims to address the pressing logistical challenges experienced by businesses across Africa. With infrastructure that meets global standards, the Olokola Port could become a vital gateway for trade, reawakening the region’s economic potential.