Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has said the $1.8 billion Lee Group industrial park will accommodate 29 manufacturing companies and generate about 15,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Abiodun disclosed this on Thursday at the groundbreaking ceremony of the 450-hectare facility, describing the investment as a major boost to the state’s industrialisation drive and a reflection of investors’ confidence in its business environment.
He said the project would expand manufacturing activities, stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities, particularly for young Nigerians.
The governor attributed the group’s decision to establish its first industrial park in Ogun to the state’s economic potential, strategic location and infrastructure.
“Your decision to establish this first industrial park in our dear state is a clear demonstration of confidence in our economic potential, our industrial climate and the enormous opportunities that Ogun State offers,” Abiodun said.
He explained that the economic benefits would extend beyond the 29 factories planned for the first phase, with small and medium-scale enterprises expected to gain business opportunities in logistics, transportation, warehousing, packaging, equipment maintenance, catering, security and construction.
According to him, the increased industrial activities would also stimulate demand for housing, retail services and transportation, creating wider economic opportunities for surrounding communities.
Abiodun highlighted Ogun’s proximity to Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial and financial hub, as well as its access to major domestic and international markets, as competitive advantages in attracting investments.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing the infrastructure, policies and business-friendly environment required to sustain investments and accelerate industrial growth.
“Our focus is not simply to attract industries to Ogun State, but to build an interconnected industrial ecosystem where large manufacturers, SMEs, service providers and communities can all benefit from increased economic activities,” he said.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, John Enoh, said the Federal Government’s investment policy was designed to attract domestic and foreign capital, diversify the economy and promote industrial park development.
Enoh disclosed that the Federal Government would hold another groundbreaking ceremony in Niger State within the next month for a 17,000-hectare integrated sugar farm.
He said projects such as the Lee Group industrial park would support Nigeria’s transition from exporting raw materials to producing and exporting finished goods.
The minister also commended Abiodun for creating an investment-friendly environment, describing Ogun as the industrial hub of the country.
Earlier, Chairman of Lee Group of Companies, Sheau Fung Lee, described the project as another milestone in the company’s Nigerian investments, which began in 1962 with the establishment of an enamelware factory in Port Harcourt.
He said the group currently employs about 26,000 people and has expanded its operations across several sectors of the economy.
According to him, the proposed industrial park will accommodate 29 manufacturing companies operating in sectors including food and beverages, industrial support products, footwear, personal care products, automation and plastics recycling.
Lee attributed the investment to the group’s confidence in Nigeria’s market size, population and economic potential.
Also speaking, the paramount ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, welcomed the investment and pledged the support of the traditional institution and host communities.
He, however, urged the company to ensure that residents benefit through employment opportunities, local contracts and corporate social responsibility programmes.
