DANGOTE SET TO ESTABLISH NIGERIA’S LARGEST INDUSTRIAL ZONE IN ONDO, CONSTRUCTION BEGINS LATE 2026

DANGOTE SET TO ESTABLISH NIGERIA’S LARGEST INDUSTRIAL ZONE IN ONDO, CONSTRUCTION BEGINS LATE 2026

Africa’s richest businessman and President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has announced plans to establish what is projected to become Nigeria’s biggest industrial and free trade zone in Ondo State, with construction scheduled to begin in the final quarter of 2026.

Dangote made the disclosure on Monday during a courtesy visit to Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, at the Government House in Akure, where he unveiled a renewed large-scale investment plan focused on power generation, gas infrastructure, cement production, and industrial manufacturing.

According to Dangote, the proposed Olokola Free Trade Zone project is designed to become a fully integrated industrial hub equipped with critical infrastructure such as electricity, water supply, and logistics facilities, allowing investors to operate efficiently without facing the usual infrastructure limitations affecting businesses across Nigeria.

He explained that the project is aimed at transforming the investment climate by creating an industrial ecosystem where businesses can immediately commence operations without having to independently provide essential infrastructure.

Dangote noted that inadequate electricity supply has remained one of Nigeria’s biggest challenges to industrial development for over three decades, forcing many manufacturers to rely heavily on self-generated power, which significantly increases production costs.

He said the new industrial zone model would directly tackle this challenge by integrating dedicated power generation systems to ensure uninterrupted energy supply for industries operating within the zone.

The business mogul also revealed plans to incorporate gas infrastructure through an east-west gas corridor designed to support energy-intensive industries expected to operate within the industrial complex.

Dangote recalled that previous attempts to develop investments in the Olokola axis had encountered operational difficulties, which led to the concentration of some major investments in Lagos State. However, he said renewed engagement with the Ondo State Government reflects improved investment conditions and stronger prospects for successful collaboration.

He disclosed that contractors are expected to mobilize to the project site within the next three to four months, while full construction activities are scheduled to commence in the last quarter of 2026.

Dangote further explained that the project structure will involve government participation and requested that Ondo State nominate a representative to join the industrial zone’s board to strengthen coordination and ensure smooth execution.

He added that the development is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs while driving industrial expansion not only in Ondo State but across neighboring regions, citing similar projects in Lagos that have generated significant employment opportunities and export revenues.

Responding, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa described the renewed investment commitment by Dangote Group as a major breakthrough for Ondo State’s industrialization agenda and economic development strategy.

The governor stated that the project aligns with his administration’s vision of positioning Ondo State as one of the leading industrial destinations in Nigeria’s South-West region, particularly given its strategic location along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway corridor.

Aiyedatiwa also highlighted the state’s deep seaport license, noting that it offers a major logistics advantage capable of accommodating large vessels and facilitating easier import and export operations.

He further disclosed that limestone deposits in parts of Ondo State had undergone testing and were found suitable for industrial use, creating opportunities for future cement production expansion.

The governor revealed that the state government has already constituted a technical committee to engage with Dangote Group on legal, land acquisition, host community relations, and operational frameworks to ensure smooth project implementation.

He confirmed that the state government is ready to nominate a representative to serve on the project board and assured full government support for the initiative.

According to him, the state government will work closely with investors and host communities to guarantee successful execution and ensure the long-term sustainability of the project.

The meeting was attended by senior government officials including Deputy Governor Dr Olayide Adelami, Chief of Staff 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 Dr Tob Loko, Special Adviser on Special Duties Comrade Gani Mohammed, and Chief Executive Officer of the Ondo State Investment Promotion Agency, Barrister Emmanuel Omomowo.

The proposed development is widely expected to mark a major economic turning point for Ondo State as it positions itself to become one of Nigeria’s emerging industrial and investment centers.