The plant is expected to create about 10 thousand jobs.

A $2 billion (about N300 billion) fertilizer plant, the biggest in Africa, is to be built in Agenebode, Edo State, industrialist and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has said.

Mr. Dangote, who disclosed this at a reception in Benin City, Monday, as part of activities to mark the 2nd term inauguration of Governor Adams Oshiomhole, said arrangements have been concluded for the ceremony to launch the commencement of the project set for December or January 2013.

Mr. Dangote said the fertiliser company is expected to employ more than ten thousand people directly and indirectly and is to be completed in three years.

“Comrade Oshiomhole has delivered on road, infrastructure, but now he’s going to deliver on job creation. We will partner with him to make sure he gives us a conducive environment to create jobs here in Edo State.

“He has already mentioned that we will set up a fertiliser plant here in Edo State. I am sure he wants me to reaffirm that. Yes, we will build the biggest fertilizer plant in Africa here in Edo State,” Mr. Dangote said.

The industrialist assured the governor and the state that by “December or January, next year, we will perform the groundbreaking ceremony in Edo State.”

“I am reassuring you, in the presence of everybody, that in the next three years, Edo State will be exporting fertilizer from here to other parts of Africa,” he said.