Ogun, ARISE IIP invest $400m in Remo Free Zone to boost manufacturing

In a move to boost Ogun state internally generated revenue and drive increased value addition and manufacturing, the state government has made a $400 million initial investment in the Industrial Platform Remo Free Zone project (IPRFZ).

The IPRFZ is in partnership between the Ogun state government and ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP), who are operators of project.

The 45 years tenor project according to both parties represents a powerful leap forward in the transformation of raw materials into world-class processed products while enabling job creation, sustainable development, and global competitiveness.

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Dapo Oduwole, director general public-private partnerships agency, Ogun state, at a recent press briefing in Abeokuta, said the PPP investment strategy is aimed at improving the ease of doing business in the state while helping to drive the country industrialisation.

Oduwole explained that the 45-year PPP arrangement between the state government and IPRFZ is to ensure long-term industrial growth and easy recouping of investment for investors.

“The PPP law, established in 2019, aims to foster a more conducive climate for both local and foreign investors in the state,” he said.

“Ogun leads in fostering partnerships among government, public entities, and private investors like IPRFZ and so establishing the PPP office reassures investors that their investments are safe and supported in Ogun,” he explained.

He noted that as part of Governor Abiodun’s efforts to boost internal revenue generation, launched Open Invest, a one-stop shop offering investors vital information across all 20 local government areas.

“In the long-term we believe this project will help the state increase its IGR and provide jobs to our people. increased investors’ interest in Ogun was due to consistent business-friendly policies and strategic location,” he said.

Prasad Sane, chief business officer of IPRFZ, said the ARISE IIP Group aims to generate over one million jobs across its various projects in Africa, including Nigeria.

Sane said the IPRFZ is a world-class, sustainable industrial ecosystem in Sagamu, created to boost exports, enhance trade, and serve as a manufacturing and innovation hub.

“The project is designed to be a unique hub to accelerate Nigeria’s industrialisation drive to attract both local and foreign direct investments and generate jobs and develop skilled manpower,” he said.

He noted that Nigeria’s large population provides an advantage for driving industrialisation and expanding manufacturing capacity.

He added that the country’s population remains a force to change Africa. He revealed the first phase of construction will conclude in 2026, with six customers already securing plots to begin operations by June.

The chief business officer noted also that ARISE IIP identifies opportunities in commercial and industrial value chains across Africa, and conceives, finances, builds and operates the necessary infrastructure, playing a catalytic role in supporting countries to transition to an industrial economy.

“Our target is to create 40,000 jobs in this phase. We are supporting investors in recruiting skilled manpower.”

“Our operating benefits in the zone include expatriate quota waivers, free profit remittances, preferential tariffs, and one-stop approvals for permits and licences.”

According to him, the development is split into six sub-phases, with construction on section 1A — covering 423 hectares set to finish by December 2026.

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“Section 1A is already 38 percent completed and six companies have secured land, with two to begin operations by June.”

He said that the IPRFZ is an integrated industrial free zone located in Sagamu, Ogun State, and is superbly located within the-5000-Hectare Remo Economic Development Cluster, which also comprises an AfDB Designated Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) and an aerotropolis, Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport.

According to him, the zone is intentionally modelled as a manufacturer’s haven catering to both agro and non-agro industries as well as providing commercial, residential and logistics areas, a Single Window Clearance centre, natural gas supply, storage solutions (warehousing), operations and maintenance facilities; and other key utilities.”

Also, Manoj Bargat, general manager for construction, IPRFZ, said about 333 hectares fall under the free zone, while 90 hectares are designated as non-free zone areas.

He said that “ARISE IIP is driven by the pursuit of green growth, with the ambition to unlock the continent’s industrial potential while neutralising carbon emissions and climate impact.”