The groundbreaking ceremony of a $2 billion (about N300 billion) fertiliser plant, the biggest in Africa to be sited in Agenebode, Edo State will be done before the end of January 2013.

Disclosing this at a reception in Benin City, on Monday, as part of activities to mark the second term inauguration of Governor Adams Oshiomhole, President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, said arrangements have been concluded for the ceremony in December or before the end of January 2013.

Dangote, who was listed by Forbes magazine as Africa's richest man, said the company which is expected to employ about 10,000 people directly and indirectly will be completed in three years.

He said: "yes we will build the biggest fertiliser plant in Africa here in Edo State."

According to him, "Oshiomhole has delivered on road, infrastructure, but now he's going to deliver on job creation. We will partner 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 fertiliser plant in Africa here in Edo State. It is a commitment and I am reassuring you, your excellency, by this year, either in December of January, next year, we will perform the groundbreaking ceremony in Edo State. It will be at a cost of $2 billion.

"I am reassuring you, in the presence of everybody, that in the next three years, Edo State will be exporting fertiliser from here to other parts of Africa."