The President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has restated plans to develop a massive industrial and free trade zone in Olokola, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

He described the proposed project as a power-driven investment hub designed to attract manufacturers while easing infrastructure challenges that often hinder business operations in Nigeria.

Dangote made this known on Monday during a visit to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the Government House in Akure, where he outlined the scope of the renewed investment initiative.

According to him, the project will go beyond a conventional free trade zone, incorporating dedicated facilities for power generation, cement production, gas infrastructure, and industrial manufacturing.

He explained that the aim is to create a fully integrated industrial environment where investors can operate without the usual bottlenecks associated with electricity, water supply, and logistics.

“We want to create the biggest free trade zone where investors can just come and plug in. We will generate power, provide infrastructure and remove the bottlenecks around doing business,” he said.

Dangote also noted that unreliable electricity supply remains one of Nigeria’s biggest industrial challenges, forcing many manufacturers to depend on self-generated power.

He said the proposed development is designed to address this issue by providing dedicated energy infrastructure within the industrial zone.

He further disclosed plans to integrate gas infrastructure through an east-west gas corridor to support energy-intensive industries operating within the zone.

In response, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa welcomed the initiative, describing it as a significant step toward accelerating Ondo State’s industrial development agenda.

He said the project aligns with the state’s ambition to become a leading industrial hub in the South-West, particularly given its strategic location along the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway corridor.

Aiyedatiwa also highlighted the state’s deep seaport licence, noting that it would provide a major logistics advantage capable of accommodating large vessels without the need for transshipment.

He added that the limestone deposits in Ondo State have been confirmed as suitable for industrial use, strengthening prospects for cement production expansion.

The governor disclosed that a technical committee has been set up to engage with the Dangote Group on legal, land, community, and operational frameworks for the project.

He assured that the state government would provide full support to ensure smooth implementation and long-term sustainability of the proposed industrial zone.