LAGOS — In a move aimed at positioning Ondo State as Nigeria’s premier industrial and maritime powerhouse, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa held high-level discussions with the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, on Saturday, July 11, 2026.
The meeting in Lagos marks a pivotal step in the ongoing efforts to revitalize the long-dormant Olokola Free Trade Zone (OKFTZ). Both leaders reviewed progress on the project’s transition from a dormant vision into a “plug-and-play” industrial ecosystem.
Accelerating the ‘OUR EASE’ Agenda
The Olokola project is a cornerstone of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s ‘OUR EASE’ economic agenda, which seeks to harness the state’s extensive coastline, deep seaport potential, and rich natural resources to drive industrialization.
”Alhaji Dangote is a visionary investor and a true patriot,” Governor Aiyedatiwa stated following the session. “Our conversation today centered on how we can partner to unlock the full economic potential of the zone for the benefit of our people, the Southwest region, and Nigeria at large.”
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing the necessary policy support, infrastructure, and an enabling environment to ensure the project meets its ambitious timeline.
A New Model for Industrialization
The proposed development at Olokola is designed to bypass the traditional infrastructure hurdles that have historically slowed manufacturing in Nigeria. According to plans outlined by the Dangote Group, the zone will feature:
- Dedicated Utilities: Independent power generation and water supply to eliminate dependency on self-generated electricity.
- Integrated Logistics: Gas infrastructure, including an east-west corridor, to support energy-intensive industries and facilitate efficient transport.
- Plug-and-Play Environment: A streamlined framework where local and foreign investors can begin operations without facing typical “bottlenecks” associated with project development.
Timeline and Next Steps
The revival of the project is moving at an accelerated pace. Contractors are expected to mobilize to the site within the next three to four months, with the main construction phase officially slated for the fourth quarter of 2026.
To manage this transition, the Ondo State government has already inaugurated a technical committee—chaired by Chief Bode Sunmonu—to coordinate legal, land, and operational frameworks with the Dangote Group and relevant federal agencies.
This renewed collaboration is widely viewed as a potential “game changer” for the state, with the potential to attract massive investments and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for the region.
Technical Committee Begins Work on Olokola Free Trade Zone Revival
This video provides additional context on the collaborative efforts and the current level of preparation for the reactivation of the Olokola Free Trade Zone project.
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