Dangote Claims Amosun Demolished Proposed Cement Plant in Ogun Twice

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, has revealed that former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, twice demolished the foundation for his planned cement plant in the Itori area of the state.

Dangote, one of Africa’s most prominent businessmen, did not provide specifics regarding the reasons behind Amosun’s actions. The revelation came in a viral video shared on social media Monday, where Dangote was seen with the current Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who he credited with revitalizing the project.

“I think it’s important to note that the factory we’re visiting now in Itori exists because of His Excellency (Dapo Abiodun). The factory was demolished twice before,” Dangote stated. “We began the project, and Governor Amosun had it demolished. We started again, and the second time, not only the factory but also the fencing was destroyed. So, we had no choice but to leave. But now, we are back because of His Excellency, my brother, Prince Dapo Abiodun.”

Amosun, who served as Ogun State governor from 2011 to 2019 and later represented Ogun Central in the Senate, had yet to respond to Dangote’s claims at the time of this report.

In 2023, during an agreement signing with China Sinoma International Engineering, the firm tasked with building the cement plant, Dangote announced that the new integrated cement facility in Itori would significantly boost Dangote Cement’s local production capacity to 41.25 million tons annually, with an overall African production capacity of 57.6 million tons per year.

Dangote emphasized that the Itori Cement Plant would also enhance Nigeria’s cement export potential, contributing to foreign exchange earnings and the diversification of the national economy. Additionally, the project is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, stimulating economic growth in the Itori region of Ogun State. The surrounding area will likely see an influx of businesses supporting the cement plant’s operations, providing goods and services to staff, contractors, and other stakeholders.

Dangote further stated that the plant aligns with the Dangote Group’s vision of producing locally what was once imported, capitalizing on Nigeria’s abundant raw materials for such production.

As of now, there has been no official comment from the former governor’s side to verify Dangote’s account.