Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics Base (LADOL), the Lagos free-zone and offshore logistics company founded by Nigerian businessman Ladi Jadesimi, has partnered with Liberia to develop its first major shore base for offshore oil drilling. LADOL and the National Oil Company of Liberia signed the joint development agreement Oct. 3 in London.

LADOL targets Liberia

The proposed facility will be built in Buchanan, a port city in Grand Bassa County, and is intended to provide logistics and other services for Liberia’s growing oil industry. Jadesimi, LADOL’s executive chairman, said the agreement reflects confidence in Liberia’s petroleum potential and a commitment to developing local content across West Africa.

Liberia is seeking to keep more oil-industry spending and employment inside the country after relying heavily on neighboring markets during its previous drilling campaign. Waste disposal, logistics, supply-chain management and technical services were sourced from Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Senegal, according to the state oil company, sending jobs and contracts offshore.

Building a local supply base

“We are determined to correct that narrative as we prepare for our next set of drilling programs,” said Fabian M. Lai, president and chief executive officer of the National Oil Company of Liberia. He said the objective is for Liberian companies to capture more jobs, contracts, training opportunities and ancillary services generated by petroleum operations.

The planned base is being developed ahead of additional drilling expected under petroleum agreements already signed by the Liberian government, as well as new concessions it plans to award. LADOL will act as the lead technical partner, helping finance and execute a feasibility study before overseeing engineering, construction and eventual operation of the facility.

The feasibility study is expected to begin within 45 days and run for six months, assessing land, marine access, utilities, commercial viability and environmental requirements. LADOL and Liberia’s state oil company will jointly develop, operate and maintain the facility. Neither disclosed its projected cost or construction schedule.

Jadesimi expands beyond Aradel

The Liberia agreement comes more than a year after Jadesimi retired as chairman of Aradel Holdings on May 28, 2025, ending nearly nine years in the role. His 5.29 percent Aradel stake, held through investment vehicle Badagry Creek FZE, is now valued at more than $250 million.

Jadesimi also received N5.29 billion ($3.9 million), in final dividends from Aradel in July as the energy company reported record earnings. The payout added to returns from his sizable holding while underscoring the value of the stake that remains a significant part of his wealth.