In the past seven years, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, has undoubtedly embarked on socio- economic projects that have transformed life of the citizenry.
Often described as the architect of Ogun State modern economy, the state has emerged as a leading industrial hub in the country and beyond.
Since its inception, the focus of the administration has been the creation of an enabling environment for industries to thrive and commerce to flourish.
As such, the governor has prioritised the construction and rehabilitation of over 1,200 kilometres of roads across the three senatorial districts, including critical federal roads and those connecting industrial hubs, like the Agbara-Lusada-Atan Road, Sagamu-Abeokuta, and Ijebu-Ode-Epe Road.
Specifically, other areas of focus include the economy, infrastructure, healthcare delivery, education, job creation, women and youth empowerment, security, and investment promotion, among others.
As the Gateway State, Ogun State geographically shares borders with Lagos State and the Republic of Benin.
As a result, the proximity motivated the governor to develop extensive road networks linking both states.
For example, Shagamu-Abeokuta Expressway, Ijebu-Ode-Epe Road, and crucial arteries within the Agbara-Ota industrial corridor (like Agbara-Lusada-Atan Road, Ilaro-Owode Road have significantly improved inter-state connectivity.
These infrastructural developments have enhanced the easy flow of movement of raw materials, finished goods, and labour, making it attractive for manufacturing companies to set up factories in the state and transport their products to markets across the country and neighbouring WestAfrican countries.
Essentially, Agbara-Ota Industrial Estate is one of the oldest and largest industrial estates in the country, hosting numerous multinational and local manufacturing companies.
Its rapid expansion as the biggest industrial centre highlights the commitment of Prince Abiodun”s present infrastructural development as a catalyst for industrial growth.
The industrial estate is hosting over 44 operational companies with more than 6,000 Nigerian employees.
Data from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ogun State, revealed it has attracted over 70 per cent of manufacturing investments, with significant investments from firms like Dangote Cement and Lafarge Cement.
Through numerous policies implemented by the government to attract businesses, such as road infrastructure and direct support for small and medium-sized enterprises, Analysts have described the State as an emerging economic powerhouse in the country.
Unarguably, the sustained improvement in infrastructure has made it an attractive destination for investors.
Besides, there is the creation of various industrial clusters, including Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone (FTZ), located in Igbesa, Remo Economic Development Cluster/Industrial Platform Remo Free Zone (IPRFZ), a newer and ambitious $400 million project in partnership with ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms located in Sagamu, Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs) and Olokola Free Trade Zone.
In addition to investment attraction, this initiative provides incentives like tax waivers, streamlined regulations, and dedicated infrastructure, drawing significant foreign direct investment, particularly from China.
According to the Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, the State has equally attracted high Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), with 311 manufacturing plants setting up or expanding factories in the last six years,
The Gateway International Airport is another game-changer.
This is not just another airport; it is a unique airport with a difference. The standard of infrastructure provided at the airport has been described as an
ambitious journey towards global excellence and relevance, as it is internationally compliant and adequately equipped to support safe, round-the-clock aviation activity.
For instance, the installed lighting infrastructure has been adjudged to be of the highest aviation standard, enhancing both safety and operational efficiency. It also has a Category I (CAT I) approach lighting system to guide aircraft during poor visibility, providing essential support to pilots on final approach.
Experts said this system ensures landings can proceed safely during inclement weather, minimising disruptions and significantly improving reliability for airlines and passengers alike.
Other critical lighting components include runway edge lights, which provide visual orientation and lateral positioning for pilots during takeoff and landing, and runway elevated end lights, which alert pilots to the end of the runway.
Displaced threshold lights have also been integrated to mark runway sections not designated for landing, but to improve spatial awareness and safety margins.
Envisioned as a major cargo and logistics hub that will significantly enhance the State’s capacity for air freight, the airport will also facilitate the transportation of agricultural produce and manufactured goods.
In addition, the Kajola Dry Port aims to complement the agro-cargo airport by facilitating the receipt and processing of goods from Lagos seaports, helping to decongest the ports and streamline logistics for industries in Ogun State.
In addition, complementary projects like the $500 million investment by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will strengthen power transmission networks in industrial clusters, including Agbara, Sagamu, and Mowe, to address power challenges and ensure a more affordable and stable energy supply.
Similarly, the recent commissioning of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) Digital Innovation Park in Abeokuta aims to foster technological advancement, support startups, and provide high-speed internet and co-working spaces, adding to the list of critical infrastructures, making Ogun State an investment destination of choice.
Though a relatively new initiative, this infrastructure is crucial for the growth of the ICT sector and a diversified economy.
These infrastructures, coupled with investor-friendly policies, abundant natural resources like limestone for cement production, and a large labour force, have collectively cemented Ogun State’s reputation as a prime destination for industries and a leading economic player in Nigeria.
Above all, Prince Abiodun’s administration has deliberate policies focusing on investment and industrial promotion as a cornerstone of its “Building Our Future Together” mantra. These initiatives are primarily designed to create an enabling environment for businesses through policy reforms, infrastructure development, and targeted investment drives.
The establishment of the Ogun State Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency (OgunInvest) has played a significant role in industrial promotion, serving as a single point of contact for investors, providing end-to-end facilitation services, from initial inquiries and detailed information on opportunities to guiding through regulatory requirements and offering aftercare services. This has effectively streamlined the process of setting up and operating businesses in Ogun State.
It has also been instrumental in attracting significant new investments, including major projects like a British battery recycling company (the first of its kind in Africa) and a large Chinese steel plant.
The various reform policies of the administration have further improved Ogun State’s ranking in the Ease-of-Doing-Business index and made it a more attractive destination for investors.
Deliberately, the governor set up the Business Environment Council to harmonise regulations across state and local government levels, ensuring no conflicting rules burden businesses.
With the policy reform, regular reviews of existing regulations are conducted to promote a more business-friendly landscape.
Coupled with the computerised tax payment and streamlined business registration processes, the reform has significantly assisted in reducing bottlenecks and promoting efficiency.
These laudable gestures have resulted in the state recording its highest influx of industries in recent years, leading to job creation and increased Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
