Nigerian billionaire and industrialist Aliko Dangote has revealed that a cement factory project in Itori, Ogun State, was demolished twice under the administration of former Governor Ibikunle Amosun.
Dangote made this known while speaking on the progress of the project, stating that the demolitions included the destruction of the factory’s perimeter fencing. According to him, it was the intervention of the current governor, Dapo Abiodun, that convinced him to return to Ogun State and resume the project.
As a result, Dangote’s new $585 million cement plant in Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area, is now nearing completion and is expected to commence operations next year.
The factory will feature two clinker production lines, each with a daily capacity of 6,000 tonnes. It will oversee the entire cement manufacturing process, from limestone crushing to packaging and distribution.
Recalling the past challenges, Dangote said, “The factory we are visiting now in Itori was revived because of His Excellency, Governor Dapo Abiodun. That factory was demolished twice. We started building, then Amosun demolished it. The second time, he not only demolished the factory but also the fencing, so we left. But right now, we are coming back because of His Excellency, my brother, Prince Dapo Abiodun. When we go there, you will be very surprised.”
The businessman’s revelation has sparked discussions about the impact of government policies on industrial projects in Nigeria.
