Dapo Abiodun (M) spoke at at the ongoing intra-African trade fair (IATF25) in Algiers, Algeria
Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun, says the state is breaking trade barriers through bold initiatives designed to attract investment and deepen trade.
According to a statement from the Ogun state government on Monday, Abiodun spoke while participating in a high-level panel session titled “Investment Showcase: Unveiling Opportunities from Select African & Caribbean Sub-Sovereigns” at the ongoing intra-African trade fair (IATF25) in Algiers, Algeria.
The governor reaffirmed Ogun’s status as Nigeria’s leading investment destination, highlighting the critical role of subnationals in driving the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He noted that although Africa holds vast potential, intra-continental trade accounts for only about 15 percent of total trade, constrained by poor infrastructure, cumbersome regulations, and fragmented value chains.
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“Ogun state’s blueprint for economic transformation includes multi-modal infrastructure development: the Gateway International Cargo Airport, Ijebu-Ode and Kajola Dry Ports, over 1,200 kilometres of upgraded roads, and expanded gas reticulation networks,” Abiodun was quoted as saying.
He added that the state has established economic clusters and free trade zones, such as the Remo economic development cluster—anchored by the newly licenced Gateway International Airport—the Ijebu economic cluster near the Dangote refinery, the Agbara industrial cluster, and the Ogun-Guangdong free trade zone.
According to the governor, Ogun has also simplified processes for investors through the one-stop investment centre (OgunInvest) and a GIS-enabled land bank with 300,000 hectares of pre-verified land, allowing for faster permits, titles, and approvals.
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He listed other attractions to include policy certainty under the 2019 PPP law, risk-sharing partnerships with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and IFAD, and structured industry dialogue.
Abiodun added that the state’s proximity to Lagos ports, ECOWAS markets, and the Benin Republic border gives it an edge for regional distribution.
The governor said the interventions are positioning Ogun as Nigeria’s leading AfCFTA hub — a place where scale, speed, and certainty converge to unlock shared prosperity for Africa.
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