Governor Abiodun Secures Strategic Investments From JBS, Moroccan Firm To Propel Ogun State’s Economic Growth

BY TAYO MABEWEJE

ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – Ogun State is set to usher in a transformative era of economic prosperity, following strategic partnerships spearheaded by Governor Dapo Abiodun.

The governor’s proactive efforts to attract international investment have culminated in collaborations with global industry leaders, including JBS, the world’s largest meat producer, and a Moroccan firm specializing in palm oil by-products.

Governor Abiodun’s engagement with JBS marks a significant milestone in the state’s agricultural and livestock sectors. The partnership is expected to enhance food production, create employment opportunities, and bolster Ogun’s standing as a hub for agribusiness in Nigeria.

The collaboration with the Moroccan firm signals a focus on diversifying Ogun’s industrial portfolio. By leveraging expertise in palm oil by-products, the partnership aims to add value to local resources, stimulate industrial activity, and drive economic sustainability.

Governor Abiodun’s approach reflects a deliberate strategy to position Ogun State as a preferred destination for global investors. These partnerships align with the state’s broader economic development agenda, emphasizing innovation, infrastructure development, and job creation.

These strategic investments are set to bolster the state’s industrialization, create thousands of jobs, and position Ogun as a key player in the global economy.

A $10 million investment is set to be signed with the Moroccan firm in the coming weeks, which will focus on utilizing the by-products of palm oil refining – materials that were traditionally discarded.

This partnership will tap into a growing global demand for palm oil derivatives and contribute significantly to Ogun’s foreign exchange earnings.

Governor Abiodun emphasized the transformative potential of this investment, stating that it would open new doors for local farmers and create a sustainable agro-industrial sector that aligns with the state’s commitment to sustainable practices.

“This is a huge opportunity for Ogun State. We are turning waste into wealth, creating jobs, and contributing to global agro-business trends by adding value to what was once considered a by-product of our palm oil industry. This is the future of agro-processing”, said Governor Abiodun.

In addition to this groundbreaking partnership, Ogun State is also attracting attention from JBS, which plans to invest $2.5 million to build several livestock processing plants in the state.

JBS will establish three chicken plants, two cattle plants, and one swine plant, modernizing livestock production and providing local farmers with access to cutting-edge processing facilities.

This collaboration will also enhance the state’s food security, reduce dependence on imports, and create a self-sustaining supply chain.

JBS, a company that supplies 50% of beef in the United States and the United Kingdom, brings with it decades of expertise in the meat industry.

By tapping into this wealth of knowledge, Ogun State will significantly modernize its agricultural sector.

The governor expressed his confidence in the partnership, saying, “JBS is a global leader, and their decision to invest in Ogun State speaks volumes about our favorable business environment. Together, we will develop an agro-industrial ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders.”

These investments are just the beginning of a broader strategy to transform Ogun State into a leading economic hub. Governor Abiodun’s administration is committed to creating the right ecosystem for businesses to thrive.

Recent infrastructure projects, including an inland port and dry port, are designed to reduce congestion at the Lagos ports, enhance trade efficiency, and streamline logistics for manufacturers in Ogun.

This strategic move will provide Ogun’s industries with faster access to the global marketplace, reducing operational costs and delays. The state is also pioneering the establishment of agro-processing zones and a special agro-airport for the seamless export of perishable goods.

With the launch of a timber processing zone and a livestock production zone, Ogun is positioning itself as Nigeria’s reference point in agro-processing, creating an integrated environment for industries involved in agriculture, manufacturing, and export.

Governor Abiodun’s efforts are also aimed at ensuring sustainable practices across all sectors. The state is integrating environmental sustainability into its industrialization plans, with a strong focus on ensuring that its growing industries align with global sustainability standards.

This holistic approach is designed to foster long-term economic growth while minimizing the environmental impact of industrial activities.

Aisha Rimi, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), who visited Ogun State alongside JBS officials, lauded the state’s proactive approach in attracting investment.

Aisha emphasized the importance of Ogun’s investment-friendly policies and the state’s growing appeal to foreign investors.

“Governor Abiodun has created a conducive environment for investment, which is why we are seeing an influx of international companies like JBS and the Moroccan firm. This is just the beginning; we expect even more investments as Ogun continues to expand its business opportunities”, said Aisha.

Speaking on the broader impact of these projects, Governor Abiodun noted, “We are not just building for today, but for future generations. These investments, together with the right infrastructure, policies, and partnerships, will ensure that Ogun State remains at the forefront of Nigeria’s economic development.”

With these transformative projects, Ogun State is securing its economic future and creating a legacy of growth, sustainability, and innovation.

Governor Abiodun’s strategic leadership has placed the state on an unprecedented growth trajectory, attracting both local and international investors.

As these projects come to life, Ogun will not only experience a boom in job creation and industrial activity but will also set a benchmark for other states to follow in the pursuit of sustainable economic development.

Governor Abiodun’s visionary leadership and his commitment to ensuring a business-friendly environment have positioned Ogun State as a beacon of hope in Nigeria’s economic landscape.

With the involvement of global investors like JBS and the Moroccan firm, Ogun is setting the stage for a prosperous and sustainable future that will benefit generations to come.

*Tayo Mabeweje, is Media Consultant to the Executive Governor of Ogun State.