Billionaire industrialist and President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has disclosed that his proposed cement plant in Itori, Ogun State, was demolished twice under the administration of former Governor Ibikunle Amosun.
The revelation came in a viral video where Dangote, alongside Ogun State’s current governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, expressed gratitude for the revival of the project after years of setbacks.
Abandoned Project Revived After Multiple Setbacks
Dangote stated that the Itori Cement Plant, which had been in the works for years, suffered repeated disruptions during Amosun’s tenure as governor.
According to him, efforts to establish the plant were thwarted twice, leading to a temporary withdrawal of investment from the location.
“We started, and Governor Amosun demolished it. The second time, we started again, and he demolished not only the factory but also the fencing, so we left,” Dangote said.
However, he credited Governor Dapo Abiodun for intervening and facilitating the project’s return to Itori, stating, “It is because of His Excellency my brother, Prince Dapo Abiodun, that we are now back.”
Massive Cement Investment Targets Local and Export Markets
Dangote’s renewed commitment to the Itori Cement Plant aligns with his company’s broader plan to expand domestic cement production and enhance Nigeria’s export capacity.
The project, which was relaunched after an agreement with China Sinoma International Engineering, is expected to add to Dangote Cement’s local production capacity, increasing it to 41.25 million metric tonnes per annum.
The new facility is also projected to boost Nigeria’s cement export capacity, providing a much-needed foreign exchange inflow to the economy while reducing reliance on imports.
Economic Growth and Job Creation Expected
Beyond cement production, Dangote explained that the project would serve as a catalyst for economic growth in Ogun State.
It increases Ogun State’s investment attraction, creates jobs and fosters ancillary businesses in the region.
Thousands of direct and indirect jobs are expected to emerge from the plant’s construction and operations with local businesses benefiting from increased demand for goods and services.
“This cement plant will drive economic development in the Itori axis, create employment, and attract investments,” Dangote stated, underscoring the long-term benefits of the facility.
Amosun Yet to Respond to Allegations
At the time of this report, Ibikunle Amosun, who served as Ogun State governor from 2011 to 2019, had yet to respond to the claims made by Dangote.
As the project moves forward under the current administration, stakeholders are hopeful that the renewed investment will strengthen Nigeria’s cement industry, enhance local production, and drive industrial growth in the region.
