Dangote Plans Major Industrial Hub in Ondo State

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has reaffirmed plans to establish a major industrial and free trade zone at Olokola, located in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. Described as a power-driven investment hub, the project is designed to attract manufacturers by addressing critical infrastructure constraints.

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We want to create the biggest free trade zone where investors can just come and plug in. We will generate power, provide infrastructure and remove the bottlenecks around doing business.

During a meeting with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in Akure, Dangote outlined the initiative's scope, which includes power generation, cement production, gas infrastructure, and industrial manufacturing. He emphasized that the Olokola project would surpass conventional free trade zones by offering fully integrated power, water, and logistics infrastructure, enabling investors to operate without delays.

Dangote highlighted that the initiative directly addresses Nigeria's persistent power deficit, a major obstacle to industrial growth for over three decades. Most manufacturers currently rely on self-generated electricity, significantly slowing expansion. The proposed model integrates dedicated energy supply within the industrial zone and plans to incorporate a gas infrastructure corridor to support energy-intensive industries.

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The limestone deposits in the state have been tested and found suitable for industrial use, signalling potential for cement production expansion.

Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed strong support for the project, viewing it as a significant step in Ondo State's industrialization efforts. He noted the zone's strategic location along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the state's deep seaport license as key logistical advantages. The governor also mentioned the presence of suitable limestone deposits for potential cement production expansion and confirmed the establishment of a technical committee to facilitate the project's legal, land, community, and operational frameworks.

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A technical committee had been established to engage with Dangote Group on legal, land, community and operational frameworks, and we are ready to nominate a state representative to the project board.