Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, accused former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun of twice demolishing his cement plant project in Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area.
This project, which includes two new production lines, is in addition to the existing Dangote cement plant in Ibese.
Dangote, during a visit to Governor Dapo Abiodun, stated that his company returned to the Itori site due to the current administration’s investor-friendly policies, despite the previous demolitions.
He said “Our factory at Itori was pulled down twice. When we started the second time, they not only demolished the factory but also the fence, so we left. But right now, because of His Excellency, our governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, we are back. When you visit the factory, you will be surprised at what we have done.”
Dangote, Governor Abiodun, and their team inspected the Itori plant site, where Dangote reiterated his claim of Amosun’s demolition actions.
Governor Abiodun then added that Amosun’s administration had attempted to disrupt Dangote’s projects in Ogun State three times, including the refinery project that is now located in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State.
Abiodun said, “The first time by frustrating the construction of the refinery, a $20Billion investment, an investment that would have impacted the entire South West of Nigeria. I’m sure in that refinery, Dangote employs in the region of 10,000 people there, a minimum probably and multiply effects, maybe another 30,000 who are benefitting directly. We lost that.
“They further came here and demolished this place (Itori plant project) twice. You begin to wonder what informs such leadership decisions.”
Regarding the cement plant, Dangote assured that upon completion, the combined capacity of Dangote’s cement plants in Ogun State would reach approximately 18 million metric tons per annum, making the state the highest cement-producing region in Africa.
“With the contributions of other cement producers in the state, Ogun remains far ahead of other countries across Africa in terms of cement production,” he said.
Dangote Cement holds the position of Africa’s top cement producer, boasting a 52 million metric ton annual capacity across the continent. Nigeria accounts for 70% of this production, with the Obajana plant in Kogi State being the largest in Africa, producing 16.25 million metric tons annually.
Dangote Group President highlighted that investments in cement and fertilizer manufacturing have led to national self-sufficiency in both products, with surplus production being exported to generate foreign exchange.
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