Lee Group to Invest $1.8 Billion in Ogun, Creating 15,000 Jobs

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced that the $1.8 billion Lee Group First Industrial Park will create about 15,000 direct and indirect jobs. The park will host 29 manufacturing companies and further establish Ogun as Nigeria’s top industrial hub.

Abiodun made this statement on Thursday during the groundbreaking ceremony for the 450-hectare industrial park. He described this investment as a big boost to Ogun’s industrial drive and a strong sign of the state’s business-friendly environment.

The governor said this project would significantly increase manufacturing activities, drive economic growth and provide opportunities for thousands of people, especially young Nigerians.

He pointed out that Lee Group’s choice to set up its first industrial park in Ogun shows growing investor confidence in the state’s economic potential, strategic location and improved infrastructure.

“Your decision to establish this first industrial park in our dear state is a clear demonstration of confidence in our economic potential, our industrial climate and the enormous opportunities that Ogun State offers,” he said.

Abiodun noted that the economic benefits would go beyond the 29 factories planned for the first phase. Small and medium-scale businesses linked to logistics, transportation, warehousing, packaging, equipment maintenance, catering, security and construction would also see opportunities.

He added that increased industrial activities would boost demand for housing, retail businesses, transportation and other essential services, benefiting nearby communities as well.

Ogun’s closeness to Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial center, along with access to major domestic and international markets, gives the state an edge as an investment destination.

“The choice of Ogun State for this investment is neither accidental nor surprising. Our state occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s economic geography. We share a significant boundary with Lagos, the financial capital of Nigeria, and enjoy close proximity to a major domestic and international market,” he said.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing the infrastructure, policies and business environment needed to support investments and industrial growth.

“Our focus is not simply to attract industries to Ogun State, but to build an interconnected industrial ecosystem where large manufacturers, SMEs, service providers and communities can all benefit from increased economic activities,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the project would attract more local and foreign investments, further solidifying Ogun’s reputation as a manufacturing hub.

John Enoh, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, stated that the Federal Government’s Nigerian Investment Policy aims to attract both domestic and foreign capital. This policy also seeks to diversify the economy and promote the development of industrial parks.

He mentioned that the government would soon hold another groundbreaking ceremony in Niger State for a large integrated sugar farm.

Enoh explained that investments like the Lee Group industrial park would help Nigeria move from exporting raw materials to producing and exporting finished goods.

“With organisations like the Lee Group, Nigeria will move away from exporting raw materials to producing and exporting finished goods, thereby creating and sustaining millions of jobs,” he said.

He praised Abiodun for creating a welcoming environment for investment, describing Ogun as the industrial hub of Nigeria.

Sheau Fung Lee, Chairman of Lee Group of Companies, said this project marks another important step in the company’s investment journey in Nigeria, which started in 1962 with an enamelware factory in Port Harcourt.

He revealed that the group, currently employing around 26,000 people, has expanded its operations in various sectors.

Lee stated that the new industrial park, valued at $1.8 billion, will cover 450 hectares and host 29 manufacturing companies, generating approximately 15,000 direct and indirect jobs.

He listed food and beverages, industrial support products, footwear, personal care products, automation and plastics recycling as sectors expected to operate within the park.

The chairman attributed the investment to the group’s confidence in Nigeria’s market size, population and economic potential. He also thanked Governor Abiodun for facilitating the project and former President Olusegun Obasanjo for his support.

Oba Babatunde Ajayi, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, praised the company for choosing Remoland for the investment. He assured the company of support from the traditional institution and host communities.

The monarch urged the company to ensure that the host communities benefit through employment opportunities, local contracts and corporate social responsibility programs.