Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has held a strategic meeting with President and Founder of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, to advance discussions on the development of the Olokola Free Trade Zone (FTZ), a project aimed at boosting industrialisation and economic growth in the state.
The meeting, held in Lagos on Saturday, forms part of ongoing engagements between the Ondo State Government and the Dangote Group on plans to establish a major industrial hub within the Olokola Free Trade Zone.
Speaking after the meeting, Governor Aiyedatiwa said discussions centred on practical measures to fast-track the development of the FTZ into a multi-sector industrial hub that would harness Ondo State’s strategic coastal location, deep seaport potential and abundant natural resources.
He described the Olokola Free Trade Zone as one of the flagship projects of his administration under the OUR EASE development agenda, noting that it has the capacity to attract significant investments, generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs and position Ondo State as a leading industrial and maritime destination in Nigeria.
“Alhaji Dangote is a visionary investor and a true patriot. Our conversation today centred on how we can partner to unlock the full economic potential of the zone for the benefit of our people, the South-West region and Nigeria at large,” the governor said.
Aiyedatiwa disclosed that both parties reviewed the progress made on the project and agreed on the next phase of implementation, including technical consultations, infrastructure planning and frameworks for increased private sector participation in the development of the free trade zone.
He expressed appreciation to Dangote for his sustained interest in investing in Ondo State and his continued commitment to Nigeria’s industrial development.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing the necessary incentives, policy support and enabling business environment to ensure the successful and timely commencement of the Olokola Free Trade Zone project.
