Ogun Waterside Local Government has pledged support for the proposed Dangote Deep Seaport and urged the developer to prioritise employment opportunities for qualified residents of host communities.
The commitment was made at a stakeholders’ meeting convened by AbdulGaniyu Odunnoiki, chairman of Ogun Waterside Local Government, with representatives of Dangote Group, traditional rulers from Ode Omi and Irokun Kingdoms, community leaders, and government officials in attendance.
Odunnoiki said the proposed seaport would create jobs and stimulate economic activities in the coastal council, while urging residents and traditional institutions to maintain peace as the project progresses.
‘This engagement is about strengthening mutual understanding, fostering peaceful coexistence and creating a sustainable framework for community development and industrial collaboration,’ he said.
He also assured investors of the local government’s support while pledging to protect the interests and welfare of host communities.
‘The Dangote Deep Seaport will not only transform our local economy but also create opportunities for our people and future generations.’
Representing Dangote Group, Sulaimon Ibrahim said the company would continue to engage with host communities throughout the development of the project.
‘Our commitment goes beyond infrastructure. We will honour every agreement reached with the host communities and ensure that all persons affected during the planning process are compensated in line with established enumeration and industry standards,’ Ibrahim said.
He said the success of the project would depend on transparency, partnership and mutual trust between the company and host communities.
The Olokola project has long been positioned as part of Ogun State’s efforts to develop a major industrial and logistics corridor in its coastal area. The state government had sought to revive the seaport and free trade zone after the original plans stalled, with the facilities expected to support industrial and commercial investments in the area.
If completed, the proposed port could become a logistics hub for exports, imports and regional trade. It will support exports of fertilisers, petrochemicals and refined petroleum products, and could eventually handle liquefied natural gas exports and heavy industrial equipment imports. The goal is to create an integrated industrial ecosystem that strengthens Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global trade.
Also, Samsideen Lawal, member representing Ogun Waterside Constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly, urged Dangote Group to prioritise qualified indigenes for technical and management positions that would arise from the project.
Following the deliberations, participants adopted a communique committing all parties to transparency, regular communication and peaceful collaboration throughout the implementation of the project. They also agreed to hold further town-hall meetings as development progresses.