The President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has disclosed that the proposed cement plant in the Itori area of Ogun State was demolished twice by former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun. Dangote, however, did not provide any reasons for the actions taken by Amosun, leaving the matter shrouded in mystery.
The revelation was made in a viral video posted on social media on Monday, in which Dangote, alongside the current Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, spoke about the long road to bringing the cement factory back to life. Dangote acknowledged the pivotal role played by Governor Abiodun in reviving the project, which had initially been halted due to the demolitions carried out by Amosun.
“I think it is good we have it on record that the (cement) factory we are visiting now in Itori, you know it was because of His Excellency (Dapo Abiodun) that we came back,” Dangote said. “That factory was demolished twice. We started, Governor Amosun demolished it. The second time, we started again, he demolished not only the factory, including the fencing, so we left. But right now, we are coming because of His Excellency my brother, Prince Dapo Abiodun. We are now back.”
Dangote’s statement has sparked interest and confusion, as the reason behind the demolitions by Amosun remains unclear. The former governor, who served two terms as Ogun State governor from 2011 to 2019 and later became a senator representing Ogun Central, has not publicly commented on Dangote’s claims at the time of this report.
Dangote’s cement plant project in Itori, which is set to strengthen Nigeria’s cement production capacity, has long been a significant part of his plans to expand Dangote Cement’s operations in Nigeria and across Africa. The new integrated cement plant, when completed, will play a key role in increasing Nigeria’s cement production capacity, boosting exports, and creating jobs.
In 2023, during the agreement signing with China Sinoma International Engineering, the foreign firm responsible for building the plant, Dangote highlighted the importance of the Itori Cement Plant. He revealed that the new facility would increase Dangote Cement’s local production capacity to 41.25 million tons per annum, with a total African capacity of 57.6 million tons per annum.
The factory, once operational, is expected to significantly contribute to Nigeria’s economy by creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs. Dangote also noted that the project would promote economic development in the Itori axis of Ogun State, as ancillary businesses would likely set up in the area to provide goods and services to the cement plant’s staff, contractors, and other stakeholders.
In his comments, Dangote emphasized that the construction of the Itori cement plant aligns with Dangote Group’s vision to produce goods locally that were previously imported, especially in sectors where Nigeria has abundant raw materials. This vision is part of the group’s broader strategy to boost Nigeria’s industrial capacity, reduce dependency on imports, and generate more foreign exchange.
The creation of the Itori Cement Plant is expected to increase Nigeria’s capacity to export cement, thereby contributing to the country’s foreign exchange earnings and overall economic diversification. This will support Nigeria’s push for self-sufficiency and its efforts to move away from relying on imported goods.
Governor Dapo Abiodun has played a crucial role in reviving the Dangote Cement project after it faced setbacks during Amosun’s tenure. As the current governor, Abiodun has worked to clear the path for Dangote to continue with the project, despite the previous hurdles. Dangote’s praise for Abiodun was evident during the video, as he credited the current governor for making the factory’s return to Itori possible.
Abiodun’s support for the cement plant is seen as a key part of his administration’s focus on attracting investment and fostering economic growth in Ogun State. By providing the necessary support for Dangote Group, Abiodun is positioning the state as a hub for industrial growth, which could potentially create more job opportunities and improve the overall standard of living for residents.
Ogun State, located in the southwestern part of Nigeria, is strategically positioned for industrial and economic growth due to its proximity to Lagos, the commercial capital of Nigeria. The state has long been considered an industrial hub, with numerous factories and industries spread across the region. The Itori Cement Plant, once completed, will further cement Ogun State’s reputation as a key player in Nigeria’s industrial landscape.
Beyond the cement industry, Ogun State is home to several other sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics. The state’s favorable business environment, driven by both private and public sector investments, has positioned it as a prime destination for large-scale projects such as the Dangote Cement Plant.
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, one of Africa’s richest men, has long been an advocate for economic development in Nigeria. Through Dangote Group, which has investments in cement, salt, sugar, and other sectors, Dangote has contributed significantly to job creation, infrastructure development, and local production in Nigeria. The Itori Cement Plant is just one example of the company’s ongoing efforts to boost Nigeria’s industrial capacity.
Dangote’s investment in Nigeria is seen as a testament to his commitment to the country’s economic development, despite the challenges faced by large-scale projects. The setbacks with the Itori cement plant serve as a reminder of the complexities involved in executing major projects in Nigeria, where political and administrative factors can sometimes interfere with progress.
As of now, it remains unclear why former Governor Ibikunle Amosun chose to demolish the Dangote Cement project twice during his tenure. His reasons for the demolitions have not been made public, and it remains to be seen whether he will respond to Dangote’s recent claims.
For now, the focus is on the continued development of the cement plant, which has the potential to transform both Ogun State and Nigeria’s industrial landscape. With Governor Abiodun’s backing, Dangote’s ambitious project appears to be on track, and once completed, it will make a significant contribution to Nigeria’s economy.
The completion of the Itori Cement Plant is now highly anticipated, as it promises to create jobs, boost industrial output, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a key player in Africa’s cement industry.
