Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has reaffirmed the state’s position as Nigeria’s industrial hub, revealing that with the impending completion of the $800 million Dangote Cement plant in Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area, Ogun is poised to become the largest cement producer in the country. The plant, set to be operational by 2026, will bring the state’s total cement production to 24 million tonnes—more than any other country in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Governor Abiodun made this announcement during an inspection of the second Dangote Cement plant in the state, accompanied by Dangote Group President, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and other dignitaries. He emphasized that this investment cements Ogun’s status as the industrial capital of Nigeria and commended Dangote for his resilience in pursuing development despite setbacks.
“For someone whose factory was demolished twice, whose vision others tried to truncate, this investment is a testament to perseverance. The first setback was frustrating the construction of the refinery—a $20 billion project that would have transformed the entire Southwest. That refinery alone employs about 10,000 people directly, with another 30,000 benefiting indirectly. We lost that opportunity,” Abiodun lamented.
He further criticized past decisions that led to the demolition of the Itori cement plant twice, questioning the rationale behind such leadership choices.
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, in his remarks, credited Governor Abiodun’s leadership as the reason for reinvesting in Ogun State. He noted that the Itori plant would generate significant employment, featuring mines, a power plant, and other facilities.
“Your Excellency, it was your leadership that made us return to this site. Initially, it was an unusable marshland, but through your support, we’ve transformed it into a major industrial hub. This project will not only create jobs but also drive infrastructure development, including the 100km Papalanto road, which I am confident will be completed even before the factory,” Dangote stated.
During an inspection of the 100km Sagamu-Papalanto-Iro-Ilaro-Obelle Road, Governor Abiodun urged Dangote and the project contractors to accelerate construction, targeting at least 70% completion by year-end. He underscored the road’s importance in connecting Ogun West and East Senatorial Districts, linking it to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and fostering industrial growth, particularly in Ota and Agbara Industrial Estates.
“This corridor is currently underdeveloped, but once the road is completed, it will rival the Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway. With gas availability and improved accessibility, industries will flock here, creating jobs and boosting the state’s GDP,” Abiodun said.
He praised Dangote for opting for a concrete road instead of asphalt, ensuring longevity and sustainability.
Dangote echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the road would not only facilitate transportation but also catalyze economic development in Ogun.
“This isn’t just a road—it’s an economic lifeline that will drive industrialization and create employment. With accessibility improved, more investors will be drawn to Ogun State, transforming it into a leading industrial zone,” he added.
In his remarks, the Olu of Itori, Oba Akorede Akamo, commended Governor Abiodun for his dedication to the state’s economic growth, acknowledging the administration’s role in attracting large-scale investments.
With the completion of the cement plant and the Papalanto-Ilaro road, Ogun State is set to witness unprecedented industrial and economic expansion, solidifying its place as Nigeria’s foremost manufacturing hub.
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