The Industrial Platform Remo Free Zone has unveiled plans to create 40,000 direct jobs during the first phase of its industrial hub in Ogun.

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

IPRFZ chief business officer Prasad Sane disclosed this during a media chat with journalists on Tuesday in Abeokuta. He said the ARISE IIP Group aims to generate over one million jobs across its various projects in Africa, including Nigeria.

Mr Sane noted that Nigeria’s large population provides an advantage for driving industrialisation and expanding manufacturing capacity. He revealed the first phase of construction will conclude in 2026, with six customers already securing plots to begin operations by June.

According to him, thousands of jobs are expected to be created in 2025, before the phase one completion date.

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

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

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

Section 1A is already 38 per cent completed. Six companies have secured land, with two ready to begin operations by June. He said 115 hectares out of the 370 allocated have been leased to these six early-stage customers.

Dapo Oduwole, Public-Private Partnerships Agency’s director-general, detailed the PPP strategy aimed at improving ease of business.

Mr Oduwole noted a 45-year PPP arrangement between the state government and IPRFZ to ensure long-term industrial growth. According to him, the PPP law, established in 2019, aims to foster a more conducive climate for both local and foreign investment in Ogun.

(NAN)