Obasanjo, Trade Minister, Business Leaders, Diplomats Expected as Abiodun Leads Groundbreaking November 12
Lee Group of Companies Ltd is set to unveil one of Nigeria’s ambitious private-sector industrial developments with the proposed establishment of a $1.8 billion industrial park in Ogun State, a project expected to accommodate more than 29 manufacturing factories and generate over 2,500 direct and indirect jobs.
The 450-hectare development, known as Lee Group First Industrial Park, is strategically located along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, within the Sagamu and Obafemi-Owode Local Government Areas of Ogun State. The project is designed to accommodate a wide range of manufacturing businesses, positioning it as a major industrial and commercial hub with the potential to attract substantial local and international investments.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, is expected to perform the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, November 12, 2026, in what is anticipated to be a significant milestone for the state’s industrial and economic development agenda.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Minister of Trade and Investment, captains of industry, traditional rulers, members of the diplomatic community and other prominent personalities are expected to grace the occasion.
With a projected gross development value of $3 billion, the industrial park represents a major private-sector investment ambition that could further strengthen Ogun State’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading manufacturing destinations.
The proposed industrial ecosystem will accommodate factories specialising in soap and detergent production, PVC leather manufacturing, footwear production, mould manufacturing, food processing, cosmetics, recycling and other export-oriented industrial activities.
Among the major businesses associated with the development is Aspira Products Stand, a subsidiary of Lee Group of Companies, identified in the project information as West Africa’s largest detergent company by market share. The company is expected to establish its West African regional office within the industrial park, further enhancing the development’s commercial appeal and regional significance.
The proposed regional office is expected to strengthen the park’s ambition of becoming a strategic manufacturing, distribution and commercial centre serving Nigeria and other West African markets.
Beyond manufacturing facilities, the industrial park is designed as an integrated business community featuring administrative offices, residential facilities, power and utility stations, banks, shopping malls, showrooms, bonded warehouses, truck and trailer parking facilities, communication infrastructure, conference centres and recreational facilities.
The development’s integrated structure is expected to provide manufacturers with access to essential services within a coordinated environment, reducing operational bottlenecks and improving efficiency across production, logistics, warehousing and distribution.
Its location along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, particularly its proximity to the Sagamu Interchange, is another major advantage. The strategic corridor provides access to Lagos, other commercial centres and major transportation networks, making it attractive to businesses involved in manufacturing, freight, distribution and export.
The project is also expected to stimulate economic activities across Sagamu, Obafemi-Owode and neighbouring communities through increased demand for transportation, logistics, accommodation, restaurants, vehicle maintenance, fuel stations and other support services.
Employment generation is expected to be one of the project’s most significant contributions. With more than 29 factories planned, the developers project over 2,500 direct and indirect jobs when the industrial ecosystem becomes operational.
Construction activities are also expected to create additional employment opportunities, while the eventual factories and supporting businesses could provide openings for skilled and unskilled workers, young people and women.
Small and medium-sized enterprises are also expected to benefit from the development through opportunities to supply industrial inputs, provide maintenance services, handle transportation and logistics, and deliver other essential services to companies operating within the park.
The concentration of manufacturing companies within one industrial location could equally encourage technology transfer, technical training, skills acquisition and stronger local production capacity.
The planned establishment of Aspira’s West African regional office adds another dimension to the project’s regional ambition. Beyond serving the Nigerian market, the industrial park could become a strategic base for businesses seeking to expand their distribution networks and commercial operations across West Africa.
The development comes amid Ogun State’s sustained drive to consolidate its position as a manufacturing powerhouse, leveraging its proximity to Lagos, access to major highways and an established industrial presence.
Under Governor Abiodun’s administration, the state has continued to pursue infrastructure development and investment-driven economic policies aimed at attracting businesses, expanding industrial activities and creating employment opportunities.
The Lee Group project is expected to complement these efforts by providing dedicated industrial infrastructure and an environment where manufacturers can benefit from shared facilities, proximity to suppliers and access to established distribution networks.
The developers have also indicated that environmental, social and governance considerations will form part of the project’s sustainability framework, with emphasis on resource efficiency, waste reduction, recycling and engagement with host communities.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with the need to expand its manufacturing base, attract foreign investment, create jobs and reduce dependence on imported products, developments of this scale could provide an important platform for strengthening domestic production and industrial competitiveness.
However, the project’s ultimate economic impact will depend on the timely delivery of infrastructure, the successful establishment of the proposed factories, reliable power supply, effective logistics and the actualisation of the projected employment opportunities.
The November 12 groundbreaking is therefore expected to mark the beginning of a major industrial development whose success could have implications beyond Ogun State.
When completed and fully operational, the Lee Group First Industrial Park could emerge as a significant manufacturing and investment hub, creating thousands of employment opportunities, supporting local businesses, attracting regional investors and further reinforcing Ogun State’s strategic position in Nigeria’s industrial economy.
