To Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, nothing, truly, is impossible. For the founder of Dangote Group who is very modest in his lifestyle but bold in business. Dangote possesses towering ambitions that match the scale of his projects.
The 68-year-old business titan has a vision rooted in bold ambition and long-term planning. He is an authority in wealth, power, politics, and the future of Africa. Dangote recently remarked that Africa could be transformed into a heaven in just five years. He is on track to generate $30 billion in revenue by next year, despite global concerns over trade tariffs under US President Donald Trump’s administration. Furthermore, he has set his sights on surpassing Qatar to make Nigeria the world’s largest urea exporter within four years. That’s why he loves to dare. He loves to take risks. And he always triumphed. He tried with cement, followed by fertilizer, then oil and now sets his gaze at maritime.
Early this week, the Kano-born business icon announced he has submitted plans to develop a new seaport in Olokola, Ogun State, aimed at bolstering exports and supporting his expanding industrial empire. Positioned to become Nigeria’s largest, deepest and most sophisticated seaport, the new project —located within the Olokola Free Trade Zone— aims to reduce congestion at Lagos ports and accelerate trade flows for West Africa.
Funding is in place. Site already marked and construction is expected to start soon, signalling a major step in Nigeria’s drive to upgrade port capacity and logistics. On completion, the port will rival existing Nigerian maritime facilities, including the Chinese-backed Lekki Deep Sea Port, which opened in 2023. This is a move that signals the expansion of his multibillion-dollar industrial empire and a strategic push into maritime logistics. His $20 billion refinery in Lekki is steadily changing the face of Nigeria’s energy sector. The port will enhance logistics for both oil refinery and fertilizer operations, including planned exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
With a net worth estimated at $27.7 billion according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Dangote remains Africa’s richest individual with cement manufacturing and sugar plants across Africa. He continues to drive large-scale infrastructure projects that underpin Nigeria’s industrial growth and regional trade ambitions.
Credit: The Sun