President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has restated his company’s commitment to establishing a large-scale industrial and free trade zone in Olokola, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Dangote said the proposed project is designed as a power-supported industrial hub aimed at attracting manufacturers while eliminating infrastructure challenges that often discourage investors.
He made the disclosure on Monday during a visit to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the Governor’s Office in Akure.
According to him, the renewed investment plan includes power generation, cement manufacturing, gas infrastructure, and broader industrial production activities.
He explained that the Olokola project would operate beyond a typical free trade zone, as it would be fully equipped with essential facilities such as electricity, water supply, and logistics systems to support seamless business operations.
“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,” he said.
Dangote further noted that the initiative is intended to address Nigeria’s long-standing electricity shortage, which he described as a major barrier to industrial growth over the past three decades. He added that many manufacturers currently depend on self-generated power due to unreliable public supply.
He also revealed plans to develop a gas infrastructure network through an east-west corridor to support energy-intensive industries within the zone.
In response, Governor Aiyedatiwa welcomed the proposal, describing it as a significant step toward accelerating industrial development in Ondo State.
He said the project aligns with his administration’s vision of making the state a key industrial hub in the South-West, especially given its strategic location along the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway route.
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Aiyedatiwa also pointed to the state’s deep seaport licence as a major advantage for large-scale maritime and logistics operations, noting that it can accommodate big vessels without the need for transshipment.
He added that limestone deposits in the state have been confirmed as suitable for industrial use, creating opportunities for cement production expansion.
The governor disclosed that a technical committee has been set up to engage the Dangote Group on legal, land, community, and operational matters, while also expressing readiness to appoint a state representative to the project board.
He assured full government cooperation, emphasizing that the state would work closely with investors and host communities to ensure smooth execution and long-term success.