Dangote to establish Nigeria’s largest industrial free trade zone in Ondo
By Boye Oyeyemi
Africa’s richest businessman, Aliko Dangote, has unveiled plans to establish what is expected to become Nigeria’s largest industrial and free trade zone in Ondo State, with construction scheduled to commence in the final quarter of 2026.
Dangote disclosed this on Monday during a visit to Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, in Akure, where he outlined a major investment package covering power generation, gas infrastructure, manufacturing and cement production.
According to him, the proposed Olokola industrial hub will be fully equipped with electricity, water supply and other essential infrastructure, allowing investors to establish businesses without the usual challenges associated with basic utilities.
He noted that unreliable electricity had remained one of Nigeria’s biggest obstacles to industrial growth for decades, adding that the project would provide dedicated power and gas facilities to support large-scale manufacturing activities.
Dangote said previous efforts to develop investments in Olokola were stalled by operational difficulties, forcing the company to focus on Lagos. He, however, expressed confidence that improved conditions and collaboration with the state government would ensure the project’s success.
The business mogul further revealed that contractors would move to the site within the next few months ahead of full-scale construction, while also seeking Ondo State’s representation on the project’s board to strengthen coordination and implementation.
Responding, Aiyedatiwa described the initiative as a major boost to the state’s industrialisation drive, saying the development could transform Ondo into a leading investment destination in the South-West and generate thousands of jobs. The governor added that the state had already constituted a technical committee to work with the Dangote Group on land, legal and community matters, assuring investors of the government’s full support to ensure the successful delivery of the project.
