The Dangote Group has submitted paperwork to construct what would become Nigeria’s largest and deepest seaport in the Olokola Free Trade Zone, located in Ogun State, Bloomberg reported.

The planned Atlantic port would sit approximately 100 kilometers from the group’s fertilizer and petrochemical plants in Lagos. It is expected to ease pressure on existing seaports and expand the country’s logistics and industrial capacity.

Speaking to Bloomberg, Aliko Dangote, chairman of the group, confirmed that the application was submitted in late June. He said the initiative aims not only to serve his company’s export needs but also to encourage broader private-sector involvement in national infrastructure development.

The port is expected to handle exports such as liquefied natural gas and support the growing demand driven by Dangote’s fertilizer and oil refinery facilities.

The Olokola Free Trade Zone, created in 2004 as a joint venture between Ogun and Ondo states, covers 10,500 hectares. Originally intended to support oil and gas manufacturing, gas supply, and export processing, the zone has faced delays due to legal issues and infrastructure challenges. It is now gaining renewed attention with fresh backing from both state and federal authorities.

Dangote’s investments in cement, fertilizer, and petroleum refining have already made Nigeria self-sufficient in these sectors. The group now exports surplus production to regional and international markets.