Ogun Waterside Local Government has expressed support for the proposed Dangote Deep Seaport, while urging the Dangote Group to prioritise the employment of qualified indigenes in the project.

The Executive Chairman of the council, AbdulGaniyu Odunnoiki, made the commitment during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the council secretariat.

According to a statement issued by the Dangote Group 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 Tinubu and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun for approving the Free Trade Zone in Ode Omi and Irokun as the location for the proposed seaport.

He described the decision as significant to the economic development of Ogun Waterside, saying the project would accelerate industrialisation, create employment opportunities 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.

“The Dangote Deep Seaport will not only transform our local economy but also create opportunities for our people and future generations,” he said.

The council chairman urged residents and traditional institutions in the area to maintain peace and unity, stressing that sustainable development could only thrive in a stable environment.

He also assured investors that the local government would continue to provide an enabling environment while protecting the rights, culture and welfare of host communities.

Representing the Dangote Group, Dr Sulaimon Ibrahim reaffirmed the company’s commitment to responsible investment and meaningful engagement with the host communities.

He said the success of the project would depend on transparency, partnership and shared prosperity.

“Our commitment goes beyond infrastructure. 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,” Ibrahim said.

Also speaking, the member representing Ogun Waterside Constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly, Samsideen Lawal, urged the Dangote Group to prioritise qualified indigenes for both technical and management positions.

Lawal also called for sustained dialogue among the company, traditional institutions and community stakeholders throughout the development of the project.

At the end of the meeting, stakeholders adopted a communiqué committing all parties to transparency, regular communication and peaceful collaboration during the implementation of the project.

They also agreed to hold additional town hall meetings as the development progresses.

The proposed Dangote Deep Seaport is expected to boost Nigeria’s export capacity, support industrial activities within the Free Trade Zone and strengthen the country’s position as a regional gateway for trade and logistics across West Africa.