Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has a clear vision to maximize Ogun’s geographical advantage as Lagos State’s only neighbor. In a recent interview, he detailed his administration’s progress, particularly the construction of a world-class airport set to enhance the state’s operational capacity.
When asked about his greatest achievement, Abiodun highlighted Ogun State’s transformation into a preferred investment destination in Nigeria. This success stems from leveraging the state’s unique position as Lagos State’s neighbor. Lagos, being Africa’s fifth-largest economy and Nigeria’s economic capital, positions Ogun similarly to how New Jersey relates to New York. Ogun’s expansive land size, four times that of Lagos, and strategic location accessible by land, sea, or air, add to its comparative advantage.
According to a report by The Guardian, Abiodun emphasized the importance of neighboring the sub-African region through the Republic of Benin. Ogun’s proximity to Lagos’s busy airport and seaports facilitates material importation and distribution for various companies and industries. The state’s natural gas pipelines further attract industries, benefiting from convenient power sources.
Under Abiodun’s administration, the state has focused on creating an enabling environment for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). This approach aims to foster state economic growth and individual prosperity. The government’s implementation pillar, ISEYA – Infrastructure, Security and Social Welfare, Education, Youth Empowerment and Job Creation, and Agriculture – drives this vision.
In infrastructure, Ogun has constructed over 400 kilometers of highways, prioritizing routes connecting to neighboring states, especially Lagos. This development has significantly reduced travel time between Lagos and Ogun, attracting more people for business and leisure.
Discussing transportation policy, Abiodun revealed the state’s multimodal master plan encompassing road, rail, and air transport. A notable achievement is the construction of a world-class airport in Ikenne Local Government, strategically located at the state’s center-point and accessible via major highways. This airport, poised for commercial operations, features both cargo and passenger facilities and aligns with international standards, boasting Nigeria’s longest runway.
The airport’s location in a special agro-processing zone, termed an ‘aerotropolis,’ enhances its economic viability. It is expected to create numerous jobs and facilitate efficient fresh agro-produce evacuation. With the African Free Continental Agreement, the airport arrives at an opportune time, easing regional trade.
Addressing the role of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Air Force (NAF), and other agencies, Abiodun noted their involvement in the airport’s operations. The NCS has begun constructing a village at the airport, while discussions with the NAF for an Air Force base are underway. Additionally, plans for flying schools and maintenance facilities are in progress.
Abiodun expressed enthusiasm about the airport, which he believes will save foreign exchange and generate significant activity. The state government proactively invested in the airport, de-risking the project to attract aviation investors.
Moreover, to further enhance Ogun’s ease of doing business, the state plans to construct a dry port in Kajola. This facility will allow efficient export and import processes, bypassing Lagos’s port inefficiencies and traffic congestion. These developments support over 5,000 industries in Ogun State, aligning with the administration’s vision of creating a conducive environment for living, working, and playing, ultimately boosting individual prosperity.
