The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the development of the Agge Deep Sea Port in Bayelsa State, describing the project as a transformative maritime infrastructure initiative capable of driving investment, job creation, and economic growth across the Niger Delta region.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the proposed port remains a strategic priority under the Federal Government’s plan to expand maritime infrastructure and strengthen Nigeria’s blue economy.

According to the minister, the Agge Deep Sea Port aligns with the economic transformation agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at boosting trade, industrialisation, and sustainable development.

Oyetola noted that upon completion, the port will serve as a major maritime gateway in the South-South region, enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global trade while easing pressure on existing seaports.

“The Agge Deep Sea Port project is a critical component of our strategy to expand Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and strengthen the nation’s competitiveness in regional and international trade. It will significantly contribute to job creation, economic development, and investment inflows into the Niger Delta region,” he said.

The minister disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is working closely with the Bayelsa State Government and other stakeholders to accelerate implementation of the project.

He explained that the deep-sea port would stimulate economic activities across key sectors including logistics, fisheries, shipbuilding, maritime services, tourism, and transportation.

According to Oyetola, the project is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs while attracting both domestic and foreign investments into the region.

He also commended Douye Diri for supporting the project and aligning the state’s development objectives with the Federal Government’s marine and blue economy agenda.

Ministry Targets New Maritime Investments

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has unveiled plans to attract fresh investment into Nigeria’s maritime sector through a strategic partnership with Jaiz Bank Plc.

The collaboration is expected to provide financing for critical maritime infrastructure projects, inland waterways transportation, fisheries, aquaculture, and other strategic blue economy initiatives.

Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, described the marine and blue economy sector as highly capital-intensive and in need of substantial long-term financing to unlock its full potential.

She revealed that the ministry has explored international funding opportunities, including the assessment of a £1 billion financing facility in the United Kingdom, underscoring the scale of investment required to modernise Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure.

Mahmood said the ministry remains open to partnerships with financial institutions capable of delivering innovative financing solutions that will support large-scale projects and accelerate growth across Nigeria’s blue economy value chain.

Industry analysts believe the Agge Deep Sea Port project could become a major catalyst for regional development, strengthen Nigeria’s maritime trade capacity, and position the country as a leading player in Africa’s emerging blue economy.

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By 24, Dantata was representing the family business in Sokoto as a district manager. At 36, he purchased his first aircraft for $15,000 and, within a year, upgraded to a jet valued at $2.5 million. Yet, he humbly described himself as “just rich enough to take care of himself.”

Born in May 1931 as the 15th of 17 children, Dantata received both Islamic and Western education. He attended Dala Primary School from 1938 to 1945 and completed his studies at a private school established by his father in 1949.

He hailed from one of Nigeria’s most prominent business dynasties. As the younger brother of Sanusi Dantata, Aminu was also the granduncle of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote. Following the death of his father in 1955, the Dantata children assumed control of the family enterprise, Alhassan Dantata & Sons. Aminu became deputy managing director in 1958 and, after the passing of his elder brother Ahmadu in 1960, assumed leadership of the business.

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Under his stewardship, the company diversified into banking, petroleum, agriculture, real estate, construction, manufacturing, and finance. He later founded Express Petroleum & Gas Company Ltd and played a pivotal role in establishing Jaiz Bank, Nigeria’s first non-interest bank.

Dantata once remarked that he owned land “all over the world,” a philosophy passed down by his father, who believed land ownership was the cornerstone of generational wealth.

“I don’t think I would be able to tell you what land I have now, all over the world not only in Nigeria. In Nigeria, there is nowhere I don’t have lands. Also, in areas where people don’t have the opportunity, I have lands,” he said.

He also served as board chairman of Northern Nigeria Flour Mills Plc (NNFM), further demonstrating his extensive influence across sectors.

Despite his wealth and status, Dantata maintained a low public profile and rarely gave interviews. His nephew, Munzali, whom he raised like a son, fondly recalled his uncle’s enthusiasm for sports, particularly football and polo.

“He had racing and polo horses that competed in Kaduna, Lagos, and even in Chad and Niger,” Munzali shared. “He was overjoyed whenever his horses won trophies, but he eventually retired from the sport as age and weight caught up with him.”

Munzali described Dantata as a multifaceted man a businessman, philanthropist, sportsman, and political figure whose legacy he plans to document in a forthcoming biography.

Dantata’s philanthropic efforts were substantial. In 2024, he donated ₦1.5 billion to victims of the Maiduguri flood disaster.

During the independence era, Dantata was active in the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU) and was even considered for party leadership. He had campaigned tirelessly on a bicycle to raise funds for NEPU, leading to his nomination as youth leader. However, familial obligations curtailed his political ambitions, as his father, a member of the emirate, discouraged direct opposition to the establishment.

Nevertheless, Dantata remained politically active. He was elected as the representative for Kura district in the Northern House of Assembly in 1961. In 1968, he was appointed Kano State Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, and Industry under the administration of Governor Audu Bako.

Later in life, Dantata expressed disillusionment with the state of politics, lamenting a decline in honesty and integrity.

“What I am seeing in politics now is pathetic. We are no longer honest; people are distorting the truth and supporting mischief. It is not good,” he said.

By 2022, at age 91, Dantata spoke openly about his mortality, reflecting on the loss of loved ones and the changing world around him. The passing of his second wife, Rabi, in April 2023 deepened his sense of isolation.

“I have traveled across all Nigerian states and built relationships everywhere, but now, I can barely count ten people I knew who are still alive,” he said during a visit from then APC vice-presidential candidate, Kashim Shettima.

“Honestly, I am just waiting for my time. I hope I leave this world in peace. If I offended anyone, I ask for forgiveness. If anyone offended me, I have forgiven them.”

At 92, he described aging as a profound burden, physically and emotionally, observing that “the atmosphere in the world today is horrible.”

Aminu Alhassan Dantata, the last surviving son of Alhassan Dantata, passed away in Abu Dhabi at the age of 94. He leaves behind a legacy defined by enterprise, philanthropy, humility, and a deep commitment to service an enduring inspiration to generations of Nigerians and business leaders across Africa.

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Jaiz Bank has pledged N100 million to assist those affected by the floods, with the amount split equally between cash and relief materials. The bank’s board chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Mustapha Bintube, led a delegation to Maiduguri, presenting the donation to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum at the Government House. “We have seen, heard, and felt the impact of this disaster. This is our modest contribution,” Bintube stated.

Senator Aisha Dahiru Binani, a former governorship candidate from Adamawa State, donated N50 million as part of her ongoing humanitarian efforts. Leading a delegation of supporters to Maiduguri, she expressed solidarity with the victims, praying for their quick recovery and resilience.

The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation also contributed N20 million. The Foundation’s Director General, Abubakar Gambo Umar, emphasized the organization’s deep sympathy for the people of Borno and highlighted the severe toll the floods have taken on local businesses and livelihoods.

In a parallel development, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has undertaken a major operation to remove contaminated foods and drugs from markets across Maiduguri, valued at over N5 billion. This operation targeted several key markets, including Gamboru and Monday Market, and was overseen by NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye.

Additionally, Chief David Sabo Kente, a former Director at the Northeast Development Commission, has raised concerns about the imminent risk posed by the Alua Dam. Kente warned that if urgent repairs are not made, the dam’s collapse could lead to even more catastrophic flooding in the region. He urged the Federal Government to prioritize the dam’s repair to prevent further disasters.

Governor Zulum expressed profound gratitude to all donors and commended their efforts in supporting the flood victims during these trying times.

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