• Nigeria approved the immediate launch of the Ogun State deep-sea port project.

• Authorities designed the port to ease congestion at Lagos ports.

• The project may align with Aliko Dangote’s integrated logistics and energy assets.

The Nigerian government approved the launch of construction works for the Ogun State deep-sea port in the southwest, according to statements from Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun.“We also announce that Mr President has granted approval for the immediate take-off of the long-awaited Olokola Deep Seaport in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area. The seaport, to be known as the Blue Marine Economic Zone,” Abiodun said in a statement dated Jan. 22, 2026. He added that the infrastructure would significantly ease congestion at Lagos ports and unlock major commercial potential.

The project will rise within the Olokola Free Trade Zone, about 100 kilometers from Lagos. Local media have linked the project to Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote. Authorities unveiled the project in March 2025 during a visit to the state governor. Officials have not yet disclosed technical details, but the site offers strategic logistics advantages. Ogun State ranks as Nigeria’s second-largest manufacturing hub after Lagos and hosts several Dangote Group cement plants as well as other logistics-intensive industries.

The future port could align with Dangote Group’s value-chain integration strategy, alongside its 650,000-barrel-per-day oil refinery in Lekki and its urea fertilizer plant. The project also supports Nigeria’s broader push to invest in new port infrastructure to relieve chronic congestion at the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.

This policy has already led to the construction of the Lekki deep-sea port, which authorities inaugurated in 2023. The planned Ogun port could compete directly with Lekki, as both target similar traffic segments, including containers, dry bulk, liquid bulk and petroleum products.

This article was initially published in French by Henoc Dossa

Adapted in English by Ange J. A. de BERRY QUENUM