President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has unveiled fresh plans to build what he says will be Nigeria’s biggest industrial and free trade zone in Ondo State, with construction set to begin in the last quarter of 2026.
Speaking during a visit to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa in Akure on Monday, Dangote said the proposed Olokola industrial hub would be a fully serviced investment centre with dedicated power, water and logistics facilities.
He said the project would operate as a “plug-and-play” zone, allowing manufacturers to begin operations without facing Nigeria’s long-running infrastructure challenges, especially unstable electricity supply.
“We are building a zone where investors can come in and start production immediately. Power, infrastructure and logistics will already be in place,” Dangote said.
He explained that the project is designed to address Nigeria’s power shortage, which has slowed industrial growth for decades. The zone will include independent power generation and gas infrastructure, backed by a proposed east-west gas corridor for energy-heavy industries.
Dangote said earlier efforts to develop the Olokola site were delayed by operational challenges, leading investments to be moved to Lagos. He added that better conditions and stronger cooperation with the state government have renewed confidence in the project.
According to him, contractors are expected to mobilise within three to four months ahead of full construction. Ondo State will also have representation on the project’s board.
Governor Aiyedatiwa welcomed the investment, saying it would support the state’s industrial growth plans. He cited Ondo’s location along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway corridor, its deep seaport licence and commercially viable limestone deposits as key advantages.
He confirmed a technical committee has been set up to work with the Dangote Group on land acquisition, legal matters and host community relations, while assuring full government support for the project’s success.
The Olokola industrial zone is expected to create jobs, increase manufacturing output and strengthen exports in Ondo State and beyond.
