Ogun Waterside Local Government has pledged its support for the proposed Dangote Deep Seaport and called on the Dangote Group to prioritise qualified indigenes for employment opportunities from the project.
The commitment was made during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Executive Chairman of Ogun Waterside Local Government, AbdulGaniyu Adetoye Odunnoiki, at the council secretariat.
According to a statement issued on Sunday, the meeting was attended by representatives of the company, traditional rulers from the Ode Omi and Irokun Kingdoms, community leaders and senior government officials.
Odunnoiki commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun for approving the Free Trade Zone in Ode Omi and Irokun as the location for the proposed Dangote Deep Seaport.
He described the decision as significant to the economic future of Ogun Waterside, saying the project would accelerate industrialisation, create employment and position the area as a major logistics and maritime hub.
“This engagement is about strengthening mutual understanding, fostering peaceful coexistence and creating a sustainable framework for community development and industrial collaboration,” he said.
“The Dangote Deep Seaport will not only transform our local economy but also create opportunities for our people and future generations.”
The council chairman urged residents and traditional institutions in the local government to promote unity and peace, stressing that sustainable development could only thrive in a stable environment.
He also assured investors that the local government would provide an enabling environment while safeguarding the rights, culture and welfare of host communities.
Representing the Dangote Group, Dr Sulaimon Ibrahim reaffirmed the company’s commitment to responsible investment and engagement with host communities.
He said the success of the deep seaport would depend on transparency, partnership and shared prosperity.
“Our commitment goes beyond infrastructure,” Ibrahim said.
“We will honour every agreement reached with the host communities and ensure that all persons affected during the planning process are compensated in line with established enumeration and industry standards. Sustainable operations can only flourish in an atmosphere of peace and mutual trust.”
The member representing Ogun Waterside Constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly, Samsideen Adekunle Lawal, urged the Dangote Group to prioritise qualified indigenes for employment in both technical and management positions.
Lawal also called for continuous dialogue between the company, traditional institutions and community stakeholders throughout the development of the project.
Following the deliberations, participants adopted a communiqué committing all parties to transparency, regular communication and peaceful collaboration throughout the implementation of the project.
They also agreed to hold further town hall engagements as development progresses.
The proposed Dangote Deep Seaport is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s export capacity, support industrial clusters within the Free Trade Zone and enhance the country’s position as a regional gateway for trade and logistics across West Africa.
