…pledges full government support for industrial hub
By Tolulope Eniola
Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the revival of the Olokola Industrial Project, pledging full government backing for plans by the Dangote Group to establish a large-scale industrial and free trade zone in the coastal axis of the state.
The governor gave the assurance on Monday while receiving the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, during a courtesy visit to his office in Akure, where the industrialist unveiled a renewed investment framework covering power generation, gas infrastructure, cement production and industrial manufacturing.
Aiyedatiwa described the proposed project as a major boost to the state’s industrialisation drive, noting that it aligns with his administration’s vision of positioning Ondo as a preferred destination for local and foreign investors.
He assured Dangote of an investor-friendly environment and pledged that the state government would provide all necessary support to ensure the successful implementation of the project.
“We are ready to work with you to make this project a reality. Ondo State remains open to investment, and we will continue to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive,” the governor said.
Aiyedatiwa highlighted the strategic advantages of Ondo State, including its location along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway corridor and the state’s deep seaport licence, which he said would enhance logistics and attract large-scale investments.
The governor also disclosed that a technical committee had been established to engage with Dangote Group on issues relating to land acquisition, legal frameworks, host community relations and project implementation.
He further confirmed the state’s readiness to nominate a representative to the board of the proposed industrial zone, as requested by the Dangote Group, to facilitate smooth coordination and execution of the project.
Earlier, Dangote said the company plans to develop what he described as the biggest free trade zone in Nigeria at Olokola, complete with independent power generation, water supply and other critical infrastructure needed by manufacturers and investors.
According to him, the project is designed to eliminate the infrastructure challenges that often discourage industrial investments, particularly the persistent problem of inadequate electricity supply.
“We want to create a zone where investors can simply come in and start operations without worrying about power and other basic infrastructure. We will generate power, provide water and ensure that the environment supports industrial growth,” he said.
Dangote explained that the proposed industrial hub would integrate gas infrastructure through an east-west gas corridor to support energy-intensive industries and boost manufacturing activities.
He recalled previous efforts by the company to invest in Olokola, noting that operational challenges at the time led to the relocation of some projects to Lagos. He, however, expressed confidence that improved conditions and stronger collaboration with the Ondo State Government would ensure the success of the renewed initiative.
The businessman disclosed that contractors are expected to mobilise to the site within the next three to four months, while major construction activities are scheduled to commence in the last quarter of the year.
He added that the project would create thousands of jobs, stimulate industrial development and generate significant economic benefits for Ondo State and the country at large.
Dangote also pointed to the rising value of land in the Olokola area as evidence of growing investor confidence, attributing the development to renewed interest in the industrial potential of the axis.
Among those present at the meeting were the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Commissioner for Finance, Mrs Omowunmi Isaac; Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Johnson Alabi; Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperative Services, Pastor Bola Ademuwagun; Commissioner for Environment, Prof. Tob Loko; Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Comrade Gani Mohammed; and the Chief Executive Officer of the Ondo State Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), Barr. Emmanuel Omomowo.
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