The President of Dangote Industries, Aliko Dangote has revealed his intentions to continue the N800 million cement factory in Ogun state. Dangote said this while visiting the 6 million metric tons per annum cement factory situated at Itori in Ewekoro Local Government of the state.
More so, the governor of Ogun state, Dapo Abiodun confirmed the news in a post on his official page on X. In the post, the governor discussed the core benefit of the project to the state and Nigeria at large.
Conversely, Dangote noted that the company has not been able to complete the cement factory due to the opposition of former governor Ibikunle Amosun.
Dangote in his statement explained that the Ogun State ex-governor demolished the cement factory on several occasions. He added that the continuous demolition frustrated the company, leading to the abandonment of the project.
How Dapo Abiodun convinced Dangote to invest in Ogun State
However, Dangote praised the state’s current governor, Dapo Abiodun for policies that create an investor-friendly environment. As a result, Dangote Groups has returned to the earlier abandoned Olokola Free Trade Zone vision of constructing the country’s largest seaport in Ogun.
Additionally, Dangote disclosed that on completion of the Cement factory, the state will have a combined capacity of 18 million metric tons per annum. This would be an addition to the 12 million MTA, Ibese that the state currently hosts.
The business mogul noted that Dangote Industries’ investment in local manufacturing has made Nigeria a self-sufficient country. He cited that the cement and fertilizer industries have effectively ended importation, while the export market generates foreign exchange revenue for the country.
Furthermore, Dangote added that the Dangote refinery can cater to the domestic demands of all refined petroleum products. He restated that the objective of Dangote Industries is the domestic manufacturing of products from the abundant natural resources, to make Nigeria self-sufficient.
While speaking at the event, Governor Abiodun commended Dangote for returning to the cement plant project, despite opposition earlier faced in the state. He also praised him for the current construction of the Sagamu Interchange to Papalanto, noting that the road is essential for the state’s economic development and prosperity.
Lastly, Abiodun further promised to continue building an enabling environment to attract investors, leading to the economic development of Ogun state.