The Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ) has reported that its infrastructure investments in host communities have led to increased commercial activities and employment opportunities. The zone has engaged over 35,000 direct and indirect workers across its operations and supporting businesses. This development has made OGFTZ a significant source of employment and economic opportunities for residents of Igbesa and neighbouring communities in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.
According to the Chairman of OGFTZ, Halfsat Odunwole Tafawa-Balewa, the zone hosts over 100 registered enterprises and has an estimated workforce of 10,000 direct and 25,000 indirect workers. The zone's infrastructure investments include the 10.25-kilometre Oba Adesola–Igbesa Road, which was constructed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the zone and the Ogun State Government. This road has enhanced the movement of people and goods, improved access to the industrial hub, and encouraged businesses to grow along the corridor.
The OGFTZ chairman explained that the zone's activities have created opportunities for businesses in transportation, retail, hospitality, logistics, and property development. Beyond employment within the industrial facilities, the zone's infrastructure development has had a positive impact on the host community. The Oloja-Ekun of Igbesa, Abdul-Azeez Oluwatoyin Akinde, highlighted the transformation along Oba Adesola Market Road, where the number of filling stations and other commercial establishments has increased considerably.
The monarch described the road project as one of the major developments he had witnessed since ascending the throne five years ago. He said improved accessibility had encouraged business expansion and attracted further government infrastructure investments to the area, including support for the Atan–Igbesa–Badagry Expressway. This development has created more jobs for residents and attracted people from other communities to Igbesa in search of employment and business opportunities.
Akinde recalled that during a visit by former President Olusegun Obasanjo to the zone, he learnt that OGFTZ had almost 10,000 workers. He described the workforce as significant to the commercial, social, and economic development of the kingdom. However, Akinde noted that the growing population and increased commercial activities required corresponding improvements in public services, particularly security infrastructure.
The monarch appealed to the government and relevant stakeholders to strengthen security arrangements in the community to protect residents, businesses, and investors and sustain the area's economic growth. The OGFTZ's infrastructure investments have had a positive impact on the host community, and the zone continues to play a significant role in the economic development of Ogun State.
The OGFTZ's achievements demonstrate the importance of public-private partnerships in driving economic growth and development in Nigeria. The zone's success story serves as a model for other industrial hubs in the country, and its continued growth and development are expected to have a positive impact on the nation's economy.
Key points
- The Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone's infrastructure investments have created over 35,000 jobs and boosted economic growth in host communities.
- The zone's infrastructure development has enhanced the movement of people and goods, improved access to the industrial hub, and encouraged businesses to grow along the corridor.
- The growing population and increased commercial activities in the area require corresponding improvements in public services, particularly security infrastructure.
