Aiyedatiwa, Dangote advance Olokola Free Trade Zone talks
By Boye Oyeyemi
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Saturday met with President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, in Lagos to advance discussions on the proposed industrial development of the Olokola Free Trade Zone.
According to a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the meeting was part of ongoing engagements between the Ondo State Government and the Dangote Group aimed at accelerating the take-off of the long-awaited project.
Speaking after the meeting, Aiyedatiwa said the discussions focused on practical steps to transform the Olokola Free Trade Zone into a multi-sector industrial hub by leveraging the state’s coastline, deep seaport potential and abundant natural resources.
The governor described the project as a key priority of his administration under the “Our Ease” development agenda, noting that its successful implementation would attract significant investments, create thousands of jobs and position Ondo as a leading industrial and maritime hub.
He said the collaboration with the Dangote Group aligns with his administration’s commitment to driving economic growth through strategic partnerships with the private sector and unlocking the state’s vast investment opportunities.
“Alhaji Dangote is a visionary investor and a true patriot. Our discussion focused on deepening collaboration to unlock the economic potential of the Olokola Free Trade Zone for the benefit of Ondo State, the South-West and Nigeria as a whole,” Aiyedatiwa said.
The governor disclosed that both parties reviewed progress made on the project and agreed on the next phase of implementation, which will include technical consultations, infrastructure planning and strategies to encourage greater private sector participation.
Aiyedatiwa also commended Dangote for his sustained interest in investing in Ondo State and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing the necessary policy support, incentives and an enabling business environment to ensure the successful and timely commencement of the Olokola Free Trade Zone project.
