The Industrial Platform Remo Free Zone (IPRFZ) in Ogun State is poised to deliver a significant boost to Nigeria’s economy and job market, particularly in the Southwest region, according to Prasad Sane, Chief Business Officer of ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (IIP).
The IPRFZ is a Public-Private Partnership initiative between ARISE IIP and the Ogun State Government, aimed at designing, financing, building, and operating a sustainable, world-class Free Trade Zone (FTZ) in Sagamu. Under the agreement, the initial investment commitment amounts to $400 million, according to Daily Trust.
Speaking during a media roundtable in Abeokuta alongside Dapo Oduwole, Director-General of the Office of Public-Private Partnerships, Sane highlighted the project’s potential to turn Nigeria into a green industrial hub. ARISE IIP, which has a presence in 10 African countries, is on a mission to create one million jobs across the continent.
Sane revealed that the first phase of the IPRFZ is expected to be completed by 2026, with six companies already securing plots to begin operations by June. Strategically located near the under-construction Agro-Cargo Airport in Ilishan-Remo, the zone is positioned to tap into regional markets, sharing borders with four other Nigerian states and having access to the West African market cluster.
He emphasized that the zone operates on an ecosystem and cluster-based approach, meeting investor needs across the entire value chain. He also cited strategic location, government support, and access to expanding markets as major investment advantages.
Key sectors targeted by the IPRFZ include metallurgy, mining, construction, infrastructure development, textiles, renewable energy, and real estate. Sane described the zone as a unique hub for manufacturing and innovation, designed to accelerate Nigeria’s industrialisation efforts.
The current phase of the project aims to create 40,000 jobs, with ARISE IIP providing support to investors in recruiting skilled labor. Sane expressed strong confidence in Nigeria’s economic future, stating, “This zone offers unparalleled advantages to investors. With a 45-year development horizon, I believe that in the next five to ten years, Nigeria’s economic landscape will be completely transformed.”
Oduwole added that the scale of investment already committed by ARISE IIP underlines the project's long-term value. “An initial $400 million investment means the returns over time will be substantial. We expect significant year-on-year growth as the zone develops,” he said.
The Remo Free Zone stands as a major step toward attracting both local and foreign direct investment, enhancing employment, and fostering technical skill development in Nigeria.
