Abeokuta: The President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, announced that his company has returned to invest in Ogun State, attributing this decision to the investor-friendly policies implemented by Governor Dapo Abiodun.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dangote expressed this during a courtesy visit to Governor Abiodun at his office in Abeokuta. He highlighted that Ogun State has emerged as one of Nigeria’s prime investment hubs, establishing itself as the manufacturing cornerstone of the nation.
Dangote commended the governor for his vision and policies that have actively supported private sector growth and fostered enterprise through substantial collaboration with investors. He recounted past challenges, noting that their factory in Itori had been demolished twice, leading to the abandonment of the project. However, due to the governor’s efforts, the company has resumed its operations, and notable progress has been achieved at the site.
Furthermore, Dangote revealed that the company had initially halted its investment plans in the Olokola Free Trade Zone due to prior setbacks. With the current favorable business climate, plans are now underway to construct Nigeria’s largest port in Ogun Waterside Local Government.
Providing updates on ongoing projects, Dangote disclosed that two new cement plant lines with a combined capacity of 6 million metric tonnes annually have been constructed in Itori. Additionally, a 12 million metric tonne per annum cement plant is being established in Ibeshe, significantly enhancing the group’s production capacity in the state.
Upon completion, the total output from Dangote’s plants in Ogun is projected to reach 18 million metric tonnes annually, positioning the region as Africa’s leading cement producer. Dangote emphasized the importance of private sector support for government initiatives, reaffirming the Dangote Group’s commitment to Nigeria’s development and economic transformation.
In response, Governor Abiodun expressed gratitude to Dangote for his visit, his trust in Ogun State, and his enduring commitment to Nigeria’s economic advancement. He praised Dangote for job creation and contributing to national development through business expansion and global advocacy for Nigeria. Abiodun remarked on the significance of the renewed investment, noting the historical context of Dangote’s previous achievements in the region.