The Federal Government has lauded the resounding success of the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ) located in Igbesa, Ogun State — a strategic initiative championed by former governor and current senator, Otunba Gbenga Daniel. The Zone is now being considered a national model for industrialization and economic collaboration with China.
The project was initiated, conceptualised, licensed, developed, and commissioned by President Goodluck Jonathan and Gbenga Daniel in 2010. It is one of the three Free Trade Zones established during the tenure of Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s administration. The others are the Kajola Transportation FTZ in Ifo Local Government Area and the Olokola FTZ in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.
Mr. Joseph Tegbe, Director General and Global Liaison of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) — an agency under the Presidency — made the declaration during an official visit to the zone on Thursday.
Speaking after a tour of the expansive facility, Tegbe described OGFTZ as a “masterpiece of industrial excellence”, revealing that over 173 enterprises currently operate within the Zone, creating more than 10,000 direct and 25,000 indirect jobs. He also noted that the Zone generates over 300 megawatts of electricity, making it one of Nigeria’s most self-sustaining industrial environments.
“This is one FTZ that has been extremely successful in attracting Chinese investors,” Tegbe said. “We want to ensure that whatever is working here gets replicated in other Free Trade Zones across the country.”
He emphasized that the agency would be using the Ogun-Guangdong FTZ as a showcase to attract global investors while encouraging stronger collaboration between Nigerian and Chinese firms to fast-track the country’s reindustrialization.
Tegbe noted that Nigeria, like China, must leverage foreign technology partnerships for growth. “China adopted Western technology and mastered it. That’s our ambition — to master it through partnerships and apply it to address industrialization, food security, and national development,” he stated.
He expressed strong confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s industrial policies, predicting that in 12 months, Nigerians would begin to appreciate the administration’s bold initiatives aimed at transforming the economy.
“I saw a factory here producing 500 metric tons of glass daily — that’s 150,000 metric tons yearly. Yesterday in Abia, I saw a plant making 600 metric tons of steel. These are the models we must replicate nationwide,” Tegbe said.
Dr. Hafsat Oduwole-Balewa, Chairman of the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone, attributed the success of the Zone to strategic leadership and consistent investment attraction. She recalled that when she assumed office, the Zone had fewer than 40 industries. Today, that number has grown to 173.
She further praised the quality of products now being manufactured in the zone, debunking the long-held stereotype of “fake Chinese products,” saying the zone now produces goods of global quality standards.
“This zone is a living testament to the power of the Nigeria-China partnership,” she said. “From infrastructure to output, OGFTZ is a shining model.”
Dr. Hafsat also expressed optimism about stronger collaboration with NCSP to expand into green technologies, advanced manufacturing, and technical skills development for Nigerian youth.
“Our goal is to align this zone with Nigeria’s broader economic diversification agenda and make it a hub for policy innovation, investment, and global competitiveness,” she added.
Mr. Steven Makanjuola, NEPZA Administrative Manager for the Zone, described OGFTZ as a pacesetter among Nigeria’s Free Trade Zones, praising the tireless work of its leadership and staff.
Also present at the event were Mr. Kevin Liu, Deputy General Manager of China-Africa Investment FZC, representatives from Nigerian Customs, Immigration, NEPZA, and various Chinese enterprises.