In the pulsating heart of Lagos, a beacon of commerce shines bright, illuminating the path to prosperity for businesses and investors alike. Nestled within the vibrant landscape of West Africa’s largest economy, the Lagos Free Zone (LFZ) has emerged as a premier destination for trade and investment. This 860-hectare haven, strategically situated 65 kilometers east of Lagos city, offers unparalleled access to the Lekki Deep Sea Port, facilitating seamless trade and commerce.
As Nigeria stands on the cusp of industrial transformation, the Lagos Free Zone has emerged as a pivotal catalyst for industrial growth, innovation, and progress. At the forefront of this visionary endeavor is Adesuwa Ladoja, a trailblazing leader whose expertise in law, commercial practice, and infrastructure development converges with a passion for nation-building. With the Lagos Free Zone poised to become a linchpin of Nigeria’s economic resurgence, Ladoja’s stewardship is set to leave an indelible mark on the country’s future.
As she navigates the complexities of steering this critical economic hub, Ladoja’s vision, strategic acumen, and commitment to excellence will be crucial in unlocking the zone’s vast potential, driving economic growth, and redefining the contours of Nigeria’s industrial landscape. The Lagos Free Zone’s transformative impact will be felt across various sectors, from manufacturing and logistics to technology and innovation, creating a ripple effect that will resonate throughout the economy.
What inspired you to take on this new role as MD/CEO of Lagos Free Zone Company?
Taking this role is both a privilege and a challenge.
I was inspired to accept the challenge because being the MD/CEO of Lagos Free Zone is an incredible opportunity to contribute to the transformation of Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape. Given my background in law, commercial practice, and infrastructure development, this role is a natural fit for me and allows me to continue pursuing the delivery of impactful projects that drive economic growth and sustainability.
My involvement in the Lekki Deepsea Port project was a pivotal experience, where I had the chance to witness firsthand the value that strategic infrastructure can bring, not just to the economy but to local communities as well. The potential of LFZs to further strengthen Nigeria’s position as a hub for trade, commerce, and industry is immense.
I’m honored to lead a team that is focused on the vision “To be the preferred industrial hub in West Africa with world class infrastructure” and shaping the future of Nigeria and beyond.
With your extensive experience in infrastructure development, how do you plan to drive growth and innovation in the Lagos Free Zone?
To drive growth and innovation at Lagos Free Zone, I’ll focus on three key pillars built on the foundation of a customer-centric approach: strategic partnerships, sustainability, and technology.
First, by fostering strong local and international partnerships, we continue to attract investment and create a collaborative ecosystem that drives mutual growth. Second, sustainability is central to our approach, ensuring resilient, environmentally responsible infrastructure that supports long-term development. Finally, embracing innovative technologies in operations, construction and logistics will continue to enhance ease of operations for our customers and position Lagos Free Zone as a leader in smart, future-proof infrastructure.
I believe these strategies help us deliver a more conducive business environment for our customers and establish LFZ as a model for growth in Africa.
Your leadership was instrumental in the success of the Lekki Deep Sea Port project. What lessons learned from that experience will you apply to your new role?
One key takeaway for me was the importance of fostering collaboration at every level as well as the power of long-term planning and maintaining a resilient spirit when faced with challenges.
These lessons will be pivotal in my role as MD at LFZ, especially as I focus on optimizing operations, strengthening stakeholder engagement for best results and ensuring that all projects within the zone are delivered on time, withing budget and to the highest standards of quality – which we hold ourselves to.
How do you envision the Lagos Free Zone contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth and development?
Lagos Free Zone is on track to be a key driver of Nigeria’s economic growth. With over $2.75 billion in investments over the past decade and 4,000 direct jobs created—25% of which are filled by indigenes of our host communities in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos—we’re already making a positive impact.
In 2024 alone, the Lagos Free Zone and Port complex remitted over N237 billion in Customs duties, which was about 4% of total Federal duty collections.
By 2035, our goal is to have over 150 industries fully operational within the zone which are projected to generate over 40000 jobs, contributing 2-3% to Nigeria’s GDP. With the Lekki deep seaport located within the Free Zone, businesses can also use LFZ as a regional hub for their West-Africa operations.
Our model promotes sustainable industrial growth, creates more job opportunities, and fosters international trade. Ultimately, Lagos Free Zone is playing a crucial role in diversifying Nigeria’s economy and deepening our positioning not just as a commercial hub, but also as a manufacturing center for West Africa.
As a lawyer with expertise in tax, regulatory, and people services, how will you leverage this background to navigate the complexities of Lagos Free Zone’s operations?
My experience in infrastructure projects, starting from my time at KPMG, has equipped me with the ability to anticipate and address potential challenges before they arise. My legal expertise allows me to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, ensuring compliance and optimizing tax benefits for investors. This background will be instrumental in creating an environment that supports both local and international best practices, fostering long-term growth and success for the Lagos Free Zone.
What unique value proposition do you believe the Lagos Free Zone offers to investors and businesses, and how will you capitalize on this?
The Lagos Free Zone offers a unique value proposition as Nigeria’s only port-based industrial hub with meticulously planned infrastructure designed to support industrial operations at scale. We provide a comprehensive range of services and facilities under one umbrella, making it an ideal environment for businesses to thrive.
Our key advantages include fully secured land, reliable power and gas connections, ready-to-lease warehouses and factories, and a suite of support services such as a single-window clearance system, emergency response capabilities, dedicated truck parks, waste management solutions, and high-speed fiber-optic connectivity.
By focusing on ease of doing business, we have successfully attracted over $2.75 billion in foreign direct investment, with globally renowned companies like BASF, ADM, Kellogg’s, Arla, Tata International, and Colgate choosing LFZ as their base. Moving forward, we will continue to build on these strengths to make Lagos Free Zone the leading business destination in Nigeria and a regional hub for global companies.
Sustainability and customer-centricity are core to the Lagos Free Zone’s mission. How will you ensure these values remain at the forefront of the company’s operations?
At Lagos Free Zone, sustainability and customer-centricity are deeply embedded in our operations. We are committed to adopting green technologies and minimizing our environmental impact across all aspects of our business. We have already set ambitious targets for carbon, water, and waste neutrality between the next 5-10 years.
Over 5% of our gross area is earmarked for green and blue cover within the zone. Another notable example is our upcoming office building, Irele Tower, which is IFC EDGE certified – EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certification recognizes buildings that incorporate sustainable design, construction, and operational practices to reduce energy and water consumption, as well as carbon emissions. This is a testament to our dedication to environmentally responsible development.
Our waste management practice is diverting waste from landfills by sorting and segregating recyclables and is geared toward achieving our goal of zero waste to landfills. We have installed a sewage treatment plant and re-use the treated wastewater in horticulture to ensure the lifecycle management of our water. All our water abstraction points are metered and monitored to ensure we protect our water resources as part of our water stewardship.
We have also embarked on a sea turtle conservation initiative with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation to ensure endangered turtle species are protected and conserved.
In terms of customer-centricity, we understand that seamless communication is key to providing exceptional service. That’s why we’ve developed an online portal that streamlines customer communications and simplifies operations, allowing businesses to manage their needs efficiently. By maintaining open, responsive channels and addressing the evolving needs of our investors, we ensure that customer satisfaction is always a priority, helping create long-term partnerships.
Lastly, we prioritize community development through local initiatives and job creation, ensuring a positive impact on our host communities for years to come.
The Lagos Free Zone has attracted over $2.75 billion in FDI projects to date. What strategies will you employ to continue attracting investment and driving growth?
First, I would like to acknowledge the remarkable work of my predecessor, Dinesh Rathi for laying a strong foundation that has positioned us for continued success.
Our goal is to maintain and accelerate the momentum of investment growth in the Zone. We will build on our existing strengths in client outreach and continue to improve the infrastructure in the zone to ensure it remains an attractive and competitive destination for both local and international businesses.
As a member of the Nigerian Bar Association and other professional bodies, how will you leverage these networks to promote the Lagos Free Zone and drive business development?
These networks give me direct access to key stakeholders, including government officials, industrialists, and investors. I will use these connections to advocate for supportive policies, attract valuable partnerships, and elevate the profile of Lagos Free Zone both locally and globally. By fostering these relationships, I aim to drive sustained business development and investment into the Zone.
What role do you see the Lagos Free Zone playing in promoting ease of doing business in Nigeria, and how will you work to enhance this?
Ease of Doing Business is a combination of multiple factors that in my view, should ultimately lead to a better operating environment for incoming investors.
Seamless access to Lekki Deep Sea Port which is the first modern, deep sea port in Nigeria that can service vessels of up to 18000 TEU capacity, is located inside our Zone and this is a strategic locational advantage for our customers.
Furthermore, the breadth and quality of support infrastructure provided, such as Grade-A warehouses, prebuilt standard factories, central gas-based power station, high-quality internal roads and civil infrastructure set us apart.
Facilities such as central processing center, residential units, fire station, police station, truck park, and medical facility enhance the ease of operations and emergency preparedness at LFZ.
Secondly, the Ease of Doing Business also comes into play when dealing with government agencies and paperwork. We have two ways to address that; one is a one-stop-shop where all agencies are under one roof, working hand in hand to ensure that the business entity faces no problems.
The second is that we have put technology in all our processes to digitally get much of their transactions done, thereby helping to eliminate red tape and archaic ways of business operations.
In sum, when you look at the proximity to the deep seaport with the infrastructural facilities and services in Lagos Free Zone, the result is an entirely unique ecosystem that positively disrupts the conventional way of running manufacturing operations in Nigeria.
How will you balance the needs of different stakeholders, including investors, businesses, employees, and local communities, to ensure sustainable development of the Lagos Free Zone?
Balancing stakeholder needs requires transparent communication, active collaboration, and a commitment to shared value creation. We will continue to engage stakeholders regularly, address their concerns, and ensure that our initiatives align with their expectations.
The Lagos Free Zone is an award-winning port-based industrial zone. What initiatives will you implement to maintain and enhance this reputation?
We are focused on enhancing Lagos Free Zone’s reputation by continuing key infrastructure projects, such as the near completion of the Piped Natural Gas (PNG) pipeline, which will provide a more cost-effective and reliable power source for businesses. This initiative will significantly reduce energy costs and improve operational efficiency within the Zone. By consistently offering innovative solutions and world-class infrastructure, we aim to position the Zone as the preferred destination for investors.
With your experience in leading the Lekki Deep Sea Port project, how will you ensure seamless integration between the Port and the Lagos Free Zone?
The integration between Lekki Deep Sea Port and Lagos Free Zone has always been seamless since the port’s start of commercial operations in April 2023. When the Free Zone was conceived, the integration of the port was seen as a strategic advantage, making it unique compared to other economic zones in the country. One of the ways this seamless integration works is that both Lekki Port and LFZ are administered by the same Customs Area Command which is headquartered within LFZ. With my extensive experience in the Lekki Port project, I will focus on enhancing collaboration and coordination to attract more businesses and further strengthen the synergies between the Port and the Zone.
What opportunities do you see for collaboration and partnership between the Lagos Free Zone and other economic zones, industrial parks, or special economic zones in Nigeria and Africa?
There are clear opportunities for collaboration, particularly in shared infrastructure such as roads, transportation, and energy, which can benefit all zones. By working together, we can amplify our voices to address common challenges and collectively market Nigeria as an attractive investment destination. Ultimately, we all share the same goal: to position Nigeria as a top choice for investors and drive growth across all our zones.
How will you promote environmental sustainability and social responsibility within the Lagos Free Zone, and what initiatives will you implement to minimize the Zone’s ecological footprint?
At Lagos Free Zone, we are deeply committed to promoting environmental sustainability and social responsibility through impactful initiatives. On the environmental front, we focus on rainwater harvesting, wildlife conservation, and the use of gas-powered energy for cleaner, more efficient operations. To maintain a balance between development and nature, we have set aside 44 hectares (5% of LFZ’s total area) of land for blue and green cover. Additionally, we prioritize using innovative construction materials and actively engage with stakeholders in our host communities to minimize our ecological footprint.
Our commitment to social responsibility is equally robust. Over the past 13 years, we have implemented various corporate social responsibility programs in sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. One of our standout initiatives is the Tolaram Science Challenge, which has been inspiring secondary school students to pursue science-related subjects for nearly a decade. This program has significantly improved students’ performance in science, with a notable alumnus recently recognized as the best-graduating student in his department at Lagos State University.
We also organize an annual health camp for our host communities, providing medical care to over 1,000 individuals. The camp offers eye checks with free glasses, blood donation opportunities, and cancer screenings. For those requiring eye surgeries, we provide access to these procedures at no cost, ensuring improved health outcomes for the community.
Additionally, we have undertaken infrastructure development projects to bridge gaps and enhance living conditions. These include installing streetlights, constructing community halls, and donating school buildings, all of which have had a transformative impact on the lives of our host communities.
To address youth empowerment, we established the IshK Tolaram Skill Center (ITSC) to train and equip young people with employable skills, fostering improved livelihoods. Furthermore, we have conducted health and well-being training programs to combat youth delinquency in the area, reinforcing our holistic approach to community development.
Through these combined efforts, Lagos Free Zone continues to drive sustainable development while positively impacting the lives of the communities we serve.
Skills development is crucial for economic growth. What programs will you implement to enhance the skills of employees and local communities within the Lagos Free Zone?
At LFZ, we prioritize the empowerment of local communities, offering capacity-building programs and job opportunities for youth and women. Through the Ishk Tolaram Foundation, we launched the “Ishk Tolaram Skills Centre” to provide vocational training in plumbing and masonry to unemployed youth in the Ibeju-Lekki area. We are exploring several partnerships which will allow us to widen the training programs offered at the center.
We also offer regular skills development programs to our employees to enhance their capabilities and productivity in various functions. Additionally, we engage local youth in infrastructure projects to facilitate knowledge transfer and equip them with practical skills.
How will you ensure that the Lagos Free Zone remains competitive with other economic zones and industrial parks in Nigeria and Africa?
As an organization, we will continue to invest in state-of-the-art infrastructure and offer tailored incentives to attract and retain investors. By combining these efforts with innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of businesses, along with fostering strong partnerships and maintaining a customer-centric approach, we will only strengthen our position as a leading industrial hub in the region.
What role do you see technology and innovation playing in the development and operations of the Lagos Free Zone, and how will you leverage these trends to drive growth?
Technology and innovation are central to optimizing operations, reducing costs, and enhancing the investor experience at LFZ.
We are already leveraging smart technologies, such as our online portal, which streamlines communication and operational processes for our customers. Additionally, the integration of Lagos Free Zone with the Lekki Deep Sea Port, the most technologically advanced port in Nigeria, ensures that we provide efficient, cost-effective solutions for businesses. By fostering innovation hubs and encouraging the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, we aim to drive sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and competitive advantage for all businesses in the Zone.
Looking ahead to the next 5-10 years, what does the future hold for the Lagos Free Zone, and how will you position the company for long-term success and sustainability?
In the next 5-10 years, the Lagos Free Zone, with the support of Lekki Port, will have a transformative impact on Nigeria’s economy. The port’s capacity will facilitate a significant increase in international trade, boosting economic activities and generating substantial revenue. We also foresee a sharp increase in employment, with over 40,000 people projected to work within the Zone at full capacity.
Additionally, LFZ’s competitive advantages, including cost-effective industrial production, access to economies of scale, and interconnectivity through the Lekki Port, will make Nigeria a key manufacturing hub in Africa. Our focus on infrastructure, efficiency, and market connectivity will position LFZ for long-term success and sustainability, driving growth and contributing significantly to both Lagos State and the national economy.
What legacy do you hope to leave as MD/CEO of the Lagos Free Zone Company?
I hope to leave a legacy of success that will justify the faith Tolaram placed in me when I was appointed. A key measure of success would be seeing Lagos Free Zone contribute 3% to Nigeria’s GDP and setting a benchmark for world-class infrastructure development and maintenance.
Additionally, I aim to create a thriving, well-compensated workforce that aligns with the company’s vision, where sustainability and profitability go hand in hand. Personally, I would also like to have mentored young people, particularly women, helping them pursue their professional aspirations while maintaining a balanced and fulfilled life. True success, to me, is not just professional achievement but personal happiness, something I hope to inspire others to pursue as well.
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
