By Rosheedat Akinkunle, JKNewsMedia Reporter
CALLS FOR deeper collaboration between Ogun State and Chinese investors dominated discussions during the visit of Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, to Governor Dapo Abiodun in Abeokuta.
Governor Abiodun told his guest that the state holds vast opportunities for investment, describing Ogun as the largest contributor to Nigeria’s non-oil economy.
He noted that its natural endowments include gold, clay, bitumen, limestone, kaolin, glass sand, and granite, alongside agricultural produce such as cassava, cocoa, rubber, cashew, poultry, fish, and eggs.
The governor explained that Ogun is also the hub of Nigeria’s cement production, ranking third in Africa behind Egypt and Morocco.
He stressed that the combination of mineral, agricultural, and industrial strengths positions the state as a leading destination for investment.
Abiodun highlighted the need to address illegal exploitation of mineral resources, pointing out that some foreign actors have collaborated with local partners to engage in unregulated mining.
He called for Chinese partnerships that would align with environmental standards and support the state’s growth.
To attract investors, the governor said his administration has focused on building a supportive business environment.
He cited the creation of new agencies to streamline approvals and reduce bureaucracy, as well as a strong emphasis on Public-Private Partnerships.
According to him, transport infrastructure remains a priority, with efforts underway to link rail, road, and air services through a multimodal system.
The governor noted that Ogun’s new airport has secured approval from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority to handle commercial flights.
Work is also progressing on a Dry Inland Port at Kajola, while plans for a deep seaport at Olokola are being advanced.
He appealed to Chinese investors to channel funds into agriculture and logistics, stressing that the state’s arable land can sustain its ambition of becoming Nigeria’s food basket.
Abiodun confirmed his readiness to strengthen bilateral relations with China and accepted an invitation to visit Shandong Province during a roadshow exhibition aimed at attracting international investment.
Ambassador Yu responded by pointing to the existing footprint of Chinese businesses in Ogun. He said about 160 companies are already active in the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone at Igbesa, with more than $1 billion invested to date and another 100 companies expected to follow.
The envoy attributed the confidence of Chinese investors to Ogun’s favourable business climate, good weather, and the hospitality of its people. He added that Nigeria remains China’s largest trading partner in Africa and cited the bilateral agreement between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Xi Jinping as a framework for mutual economic benefit.
Speaking to journalists, Ambassador Yu said Chinese businesses in Nigeria have created jobs and contributed to manufacturing and trade.
He stressed that Beijing encourages its companies to invest in Nigeria but warned against violations of local law, particularly illegal mining.
The Chinese government, he said, does not tolerate misconduct by its nationals and expects companies to operate strictly within Nigerian regulations.
Chairwoman of the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone, Hajia Hafsat Balewa, said Chinese participation through the free trade zone had boosted both the state’s Gross Domestic Product and Nigeria’s wider economy.
She reaffirmed the importance of sustained cooperation between the two countries for continued growth.
