Dangote Plans Nigeria’s Biggest Industrial Zone in Ondo

Aliko Dangote has unveiled plans to develop a major industrial and free trade zone in Ondo State, a project officials say could become one of Nigeria’s largest manufacturing hubs.

The plan was discussed during Dangote’s visit to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in Akure, where he outlined a power-driven investment hub at Olokola in Ilaje Local Government Area.

According to reports, the proposed zone will cover power generation, cement production, gas infrastructure and industrial manufacturing. Dangote said the idea is to create an environment where investors can plug into basic infrastructure without facing the usual power, water and logistics bottlenecks.

He was quoted as saying the group wants to create a large free trade zone where investors can come in and operate with ready infrastructure. Contractors are expected to move to site within three to four months, with full construction targeted for the last quarter of 2026.

The project is also expected to connect with gas infrastructure through an east-west corridor, which could support energy-intensive industries and reduce the cost of production for manufacturers.

Governor Aiyedatiwa said the plan fits into Ondo State’s industrialisation agenda. He pointed to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway corridor, the state’s deep seaport licence and limestone deposits as assets that could support large-scale investment.

Reports said a technical committee has been set up to work with Dangote Group on land, legal, community and operational issues before construction begins.

If delivered as proposed, the Ondo hub would deepen private-sector investment outside Lagos and create a new base for factories that need steady energy, port access and reliable industrial services.

Sources: The Guardian Nigeria, Punch, BusinessDay, Arise News