Dangote to Build Seaport in Next Phase of Business Expansion — Report

 Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man and head of the Dangote Group, has unveiled plans to construct a new seaport as part of the next phase of his business empire’s expansion, according to a report released on July 14, 2025, by BusinessDay. 

The proposed facility, to be located in Lagos State near the existing Dangote Refinery in Ibeju-Lekki, aims to enhance Nigeria’s trade capacity, currently hampered by congested ports like Apapa, which handle 70% of the nation’s maritime traffic. The $2 billion project, expected to break ground in 2026, will feature deep-water berths capable of accommodating mega-ships, reducing turnaround times from 10 days to under 48 hours, and creating 15,000 jobs.

Dangote, whose refinery began operations in 2023 with a 650,000-barrel-per-day capacity, sees the seaport as a logistics hub to support petroleum exports and imports of raw materials like sugar and cement. The initiative aligns with his $20 billion investment portfolio, though it faces challenges, including land acquisition disputes and environmental concerns from local communities. 

Government officials, including Trade Minister Doris Uzoka-Anite, have welcomed the plan, citing potential GDP growth, but critics question its feasibility amid Nigeria’s $30 billion infrastructure deficit. The project’s success hinges on public-private partnerships, with feasibility studies underway.