24/06/2026
Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa inaugurated a Technical Committee on Monday on the revival of the Olokola Free Trade Zone (OKFTZ), a project that has been dormant for nearly two decades. Conceived in 2005 as a joint initiative between Ondo and Ogun states, the zone was designed to leverage its Atlantic coastline location as a strategic economic gateway for the South-West and Nigeria. Governor Aiyedatiwa called the inauguration a historic step to transform the long-standing concept into an economic reality, citing its potential for thousands of jobs, major investments, and industrial expansion.
The reactivation gained momentum after Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote expressed resolve to return to Olokola for the development of Nigeria’s largest industrial and free trade hub. Plans include independent power generation, gas infrastructure, cement production, and a plug-and-play environment for investors.
Chaired by Chief Bode Sunmonu, the Technical Committee will review legal agreements, interface with stakeholders like Dangote Group, NEPZA, and Ogun State, verify land ownership, resolve community compensation issues, and secure host community support. Members were chosen for their competence in infrastructure, finance, law, and project management.
The committee has six weeks to submit its report to align with Dangote Group’s planned site mobilization. Chairman Sunmonu confirmed the Committee had already commenced work and pledged a transparent, globally compliant ex*****on, crediting the Governor’s leadership for Dangote’s return.
ONDIPA CEO and the Committee’s Secretary, Bar Emmanuel Omomowo pledged the agency’s full support for the Technical Committee activities, moreso when another ONDIPA’s Director, in the person of Engr. Femi Akarakiri is also a member.
The inauguration was attended by top State officials, including the Deputy Governor, Speaker of the State’s House of Assembly, Chief Judge of the State, and other Executive Council members.
