Siaka MOMOH
President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has announced plans to develop one of Nigeria’s largest industrial zones in Olokola, Ondo State, with construction expected to commence in the last quarter of 2026.
The proposed industrial and free trade zone is designed as a fully integrated investment hub with dedicated power supply, gas infrastructure, logistics facilities and manufacturing support systems aimed at attracting local and international investors.
Dangote disclosed the plan during a meeting with Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa in Akure, where he outlined a renewed investment framework covering energy, cement production, industrial manufacturing and infrastructure development.
The project is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial capacity while addressing one of the country’s biggest business challenges — inadequate and unreliable power supply.
Power-Focused Industrial Hub
Dangote said the Olokola development would move beyond the traditional free trade zone model by providing critical infrastructure that allows businesses to operate efficiently without major delays.
“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.
He noted that Nigeria’s electricity shortage has remained a major obstacle to industrial growth for more than three decades, forcing many manufacturers to depend on costly alternative energy sources.
The proposed zone will integrate dedicated power generation and gas infrastructure through an east-west gas corridor to support energy-intensive industries.
New Industrialisation Push for Ondo
Dangote said the renewed investment drive follows improved conditions and stronger cooperation with the Ondo State Government after earlier efforts to develop projects in Olokola faced operational challenges.
He explained that contractors are expected to mobilise to the site within three to four months, with full construction scheduled to begin later in 2026.
The project will include government participation, with Dangote requesting the appointment of a state representative to the industrial zone’s board to ensure effective coordination.
According to him, the development is expected to create thousands of jobs, expand manufacturing capacity and increase export opportunities.
Governor Aiyedatiwa: Project Marks Industrial Turning Point
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa described the investment as a major step toward transforming Ondo State into a leading industrial destination in Nigeria’s South-West.
He said the project aligns with the state government’s economic strategy, particularly given Ondo’s location along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway corridor.
The governor also highlighted the state’s deep seaport licence as a strategic advantage, noting its potential to improve cargo movement and support large-scale industrial operations.
Aiyedatiwa added that limestone deposits in the state had been tested and found suitable for industrial use, creating opportunities for further expansion in cement and related industries.
Economic Impact
A technical committee has been established by the state government to work with Dangote Group on land, legal, community and operational arrangements.
Analysts say the Olokola project could become a major driver of Nigeria’s manufacturing ambitions by improving infrastructure access, attracting foreign direct investment and reducing pressure on existing industrial centres.
The development adds to Dangote Group’s growing industrial footprint across Nigeria, including investments in cement, energy, fertiliser and logistics.
If completed as planned, the Olokola industrial zone could position Ondo as a major manufacturing and export hub in West Africa.
