Olokola Free Trade Zone signals Ondo’s shift to industrial powerhouse — Ajanaku
By Julius Alabi, Akure
The Ondo State Government has said the renewed commitment by Africa’s foremost industrialist, Aliko Dangote, to the development of the Olokola Free Trade Zone (OKFTZ) marks a decisive turning point in the state’s economic trajectory, from a civil service-driven structure to an emerging industrial powerhouse.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, who disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Akure, described the proposed multi-billion-dollar investment as a landmark project capable of transforming Ondo into a major industrial and commercial hub in the South-West.
According to him, the initiative aligns with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s broader vision to reposition the state as a centre for manufacturing, industrial production and global trade, noting that the project holds vast potential for economic expansion, job creation and wealth generation.
Ajanaku explained that the planned free trade zone, expected to be one of the largest in Nigeria, would be equipped with critical infrastructure, including independent power supply, water systems, gas facilities and integrated logistics services, designed to create a business friendly environment for both local and international investors.
He noted that the provision of such infrastructure would address longstanding bottlenecks that have hindered industrial growth across the country, particularly in the areas of energy supply and logistics inefficiencies.
The commissioner added that beyond attracting major manufacturing concerns, the project would stimulate the growth of ancillary industries, boost internally generated revenue and create thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities for residents of the state.
He further emphasised that the integration of gas infrastructure, coupled with Ondo’s strategic location along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway corridor, positions the state as a natural destination for industrial investment and regional trade expansion.
Ajanaku also highlighted the proactive steps taken by the Aiyedatiwa administration to ensure the success of the initiative, including the constitution of a technical committee to engage the Dangote Group on land acquisition, legal frameworks, operational modalities and host community relations.
He said the government’s readiness to collaborate with investors and local stakeholders underscores its commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive industrial ecosystem.
Describing the Olokola Free Trade Zone as a potential economic watershed, Ajanaku maintained that its successful execution would herald the dawn of an industrial revolution in Ondo State, placing it among Nigeria’s leading investment destinations and strengthening its role as a key driver of economic growth in the South-West and beyond.
