Tag: Lagos Free Zone

  • ‘Lagos Free Zone remains the best investment destination’

    ‘Lagos Free Zone remains the best investment destination’

    Lagos Free Zone, the nation’s first private special economic zone has been described as the best investment destination for Nordic companies in Nigeria.

    The zone is centrally located in Lagos State and it is promoted by Tolaram.

    Chief Executive Officer, Lagos Free Zone, Mrs. Adesuwa Ladoja, made this known during the Nordic Nigeria Connect 2025  in Lagos.

    Speaking during a panel discussion at the event,Mrs  Ladonna explained that the Zone offers business predictability and proper organisation for investors who intend to do business in Nigeria, unlike other places where they are more likely to be confronted by infrastructural or regulatory barriers.

    She stated that for Nordic companies that see Nigeria as a potential hub for business, Lagos Free Zone remains the ideal destination as it offers the proper infrastructure, enabling environment, and logistics capacity needed to thrive.

     “In Lagos Free Zone, we have a deep-sea port with state-of-the-art equipment. So, if you come to the Zone and have your business set up, it becomes easy for you to export, thus addressing the issue of delays and timing. With that, you canbring in your raw material seamlessly, effortlessly, all in the same place. So, with other access roads and coastal road being put in place, alongside plan to connect the axis through rail, many of these constraints would have been taken care of. Looking at it from a regulation perspective, we are creating our own single window where all the regulators you need to do your business are concentrated in the zone,” she added.

    She observed that the Tinubu administration’s two major policy reforms—the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the exchange rate—have created a more transparent, market-driven economy and brought back a sense of predictability in the investment climate for foreign investors. She maintained that the reforms have inspiredcautious optimism in the economy, witnessing headwinds turning into tailwinds.

    According to her, sustained currency stability, low interest rates, and downward-bending inflation curves in the last 12 months are good signals that the private sector capital formation cycle is ripe for revival. She also explained that with young, entrepreneurial, and passionately creative people occupying the biggest pie in the population, Nigeria offers a vast consumer market and a production base with access to the 400-million-strong ECOWAS region.

    READ ALSO: Over $50bn in Crypto transactions passed through Nigeria in one year-SEC

     “This dynamic market, structural reform, and market stabilisation combination makes Nigeria one of Africa’s most appealing investment destinations today. However, the real potential is in being an early mover. As Nigeria’s infrastructure advances and its industries develop, those who establish a presence early will enjoy the greatest rewards,’ she added.

    She stated that the strength of the Nordic region, which can be found in specific sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable manufacturing, logistics, and digital solutions, remains highly complementary to Nigeria’s growth prioritiesas it unlocks enormous opportunities for collaboration that create shared value, drive innovation, jobs, and inclusive growth.

    She applauded Nordic countries for their leadership in clean technology, digital transformation, and responsible business practices, which align perfectly with Nigeria’s development aspirations.

    Other speakers at the panel discussion include Chief Executive Officer, APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke;Executive Director/Chief Financial Officer, Development Bank of Nigeria, Ijeoma Ozulumba; Regional Director, West Africa, Norfund, Naana Winful Fynn; and Chief Executive Officer, Empower New Energy, Yerje Osmunden.

  • Sanwo-Olu lauds IFC’s $50m investment in Lagos Free Zone

    Sanwo-Olu lauds IFC’s $50m investment in Lagos Free Zone

    Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has commended the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for its equity investment of up to $50 million in the Lagos Free Zone Company, describing it as a strategic move to enhance industrial development and global trade integration.

    In a tweet on his X handle, Sanwo-Olu said the investment will fund the first phase of the 860-hectare Lagos Free Zone, focusing on land development, industrial facilities, and logistics infrastructure. 

    He explained that the zone, strategically linked to the Lekki Deep Sea Port, aims to position itself as a major industrial hub, boosting Nigeria’s participation in global value chains.

    “The IFC’s initiatives to address infrastructure challenges will create new business opportunities and reinforce Nigeria’s status as a regional economic powerhouse,” 

    The Governor highlighted the significance of the Lagos Free Zone as Nigeria’s first deep-sea port-based private special economic zone, stressing that it would attract further foreign direct investment and streamline import and export operations.

    Read Also: Why we’re still in Togo, Benin varsities despite FG’s ban on their certificates —Nigerian students

    “I applaud the IFC for its forward-thinking investment and steadfast dedication to sustainable development in Nigeria,” he said b

    With this funding, Sanwo-Olu said Lagos would strengthen its role as an economic gateway, enhancing trade flows and industrial productivity in the region.

  • Tinubu hails IFC’s $50m investment in Lagos Free Zone

    Tinubu hails IFC’s $50m investment in Lagos Free Zone

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for its $50 million equity investment in the Lagos Free Zone, describing it as a strong endorsement of Nigeria’s economic direction under his administration.

    The investment, aimed at expanding the country’s first deep-sea port-based private special economic zone, is expected to enhance industrial growth and attract further foreign direct investment.

    According to a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said, “The expansion of the Lagos Free Zone is critical to our vision of positioning Nigeria as the gateway for trade and investment in West Africa and across the continent.

    “This investment by the IFC not only strengthens Nigeria’s industrial base, but also demonstrates the growing confidence of international investors in our economic policies.

    “With improved industrial and logistics infrastructure, we are creating an integrated ecosystem that will accelerate exports, attract more investment, and enhance our global competitiveness,” President Tinubu said.

    Read Also; Motherhood has stretched, refined me – Tonto Dikeh

    Strategically integrated with the Lekki Deep Sea Port, the Lagos Free Zone is designed to facilitate import and export operations, strengthening Nigeria’s role in global value chains.

    The IFC’s investment will support land development, industrial expansion, and logistics infrastructure within the 860-hectare zone, reinforcing the country’s broader economic diversification strategy.

    President Tinubu also praised Tolaram, the developer of the Lagos Free Zone, for its long-term commitment to Nigeria’s industrialisation.

    He noted that the company’s deepening investments, including its acquisition of Guinness last year, reflect the nation’s strong appeal as an investment hub.

    “Tolaram’s continued efforts to drive industrialisation, create jobs, and foster economic growth align perfectly with our vision for a more prosperous Nigeria,” he said.

    The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment to attract larger, transformative investments.

    He also highlighted the IFC’s broader partnership with Nigeria, including its $70 million support for power sector initiatives to bolster energy security.

    “We value the IFC’s commitment to Nigeria’s economic progress and look forward to deeper engagements that will drive large-scale infrastructure projects, strengthen our industrial base, and create thousands of jobs for Nigerians,” Tinubu added.

  • IFC invests in Lagos Free Zone

    IFC invests in Lagos Free Zone

    The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is investing up to $50 million in the equities of Lagos Free Zone Company (LFZC) in a major support for the expansion of Nigeria’s first deepsea port-based, private special economic zone, the Lagos Free Zone.

    Lagos Free Zone is already home to several manufacturing brands like Kellogg’s, Dano Milk, Colgate, BASF, ADM, and Tata International.

    IFC Regional Director, Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa, Dahlia Khalifa said the investment reflected IFC’s commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth and sustainable development in Nigeria.

    She noted that the Lagos Free Zone was poised to become a transformative hub for industrial activity, driving job creation and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in global markets.

    “We are proud to partner with Lagos Free Zone in building the infrastructure necessary to attract global and local businesses, enabling Nigeria to achieve its full economic potential,” Khalifa said.

    She said the investment also reflected IFC’s commitment to sustainable development, with a focus on green infrastructure.

    Approximately 15 per cent of the investment was earmarked for climate-related initiatives, including Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE)-certified buildings and climate-resilient infrastructure.

    Khalifa noted that by addressing infrastructure bottlenecks and enhancing connectivity, IFC’s investment in Lagos Free Zone would unlock new opportunities for businesses and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional economic leader.

    Managing Director, Lagos Free Zone Company, Adesuwa Ladoja said IFC’s support represented a significant and positive recognition of the vision to establish  Lagos Free Zone as a world-class industrial hub.

    She said the investment would allow the company to scale up the existing infrastructure to attract more foreign and local tenants while promoting sustainability and creating economic opportunities for Nigeria.

    Read Also: Six things you should know as FG begins contactless passport application system in Europe

    “Lagos Free Zone, integrated with Lekki Deep Sea Port, facilitates ease of doing business in Nigeria and supports the Federal Government of Nigeria’s drive for economic diversification and infrastructure development. We look forward to driving growth and delivering lasting impact through this transformative collaboration with the IFC,” Ladoja said.

    This investment was designed to address critical infrastructure gaps, attract local and global businesses, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.

    The funds would support the first phase of the 860-hectare Lagos Free Zone, focusing on land development, industrial facilities, and logistics infrastructure.

    Owned by Singapore based Tolaram, a diversified multinational group with operations across Africa, Asia, and Europe, Lagos Free Zone is strategically integrated with the Lekki Deep Sea Port and will provide an integrated industrial ecosystem for efficient import and export operations, serving as a gateway for Nigeria’s integration into global value chains.

    With Nigeria’s economy projected to grow by 3.7 per cent by 2026, investments in infrastructure are vital to ensuring sustainable growth. When fully occupied, Lagos Free Zone is expected to create approximately 30,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs, while contributing significantly to Nigeria’s GDP upon completion.

    The investment aligns with Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms and IFC’s strategic frameworks, including the World Bank Group’s Nigeria Country Partnership Framework (2021–2025) and its 2015 Climate Action Plan, both of which prioritize economic diversification, the development of competitive clusters, and investments in climate-resilient infrastructure.

  • Why Lagos Free Zone attracts American investors – US Consul General

    Why Lagos Free Zone attracts American investors – US Consul General

    In a groundbreaking move, Lagos Free Zone, the first privately owned zone in Nigeria, is poised to attract increased foreign direct investments from the United States.

    This surge is attributed to the zone’s exceptional infrastructure and a plethora of incentives, including its integration with the Lekki Deep Sea Port.

    Lekki Port at LFZ started operations in April 2023, and it is the deepest seaport in Nigeria, with a draft of 16.5m and the capacity to handle 1.2mn TEUs per annum.

    The United States Consul General, William Stevens, leading a delegation from the United States Consulate General, expressed this optimism following a comprehensive tour of companies and facilities within the LFZ.

    Read Also; Stakeholder calls for amendment of National Commission for Persons with Disability

    Stevens lauded the impressive and outstanding business relationship between Tolaram and US companies.

    According to him, through the opportunities at the Lagos Free Zone, investors from the United States of America have deepened penetration in the Nigerian market by introducing world-class goods and services to Nigerians.

    He noted that the influx of investments from US companies would not only fortify the economic ties between Nigeria and the USA but also underscored the unique incentives offered by the Lagos Free Zone for US companies looking to establish a robust presence in the Nigerian market.

    “It is amazing to see the partnership between Tolaram and US companies and the opportunities therein. We are constantly looking at how we can attract more American companies to this market both in terms of investment and trade,” he said.

    Dinesh Rathi, the Chief Executive Officer of Lagos Free Zone, echoed this sentiment, emphasising that the Zone remains the preferred investment destination, showcasing world-class infrastructure and enticing incentives for potential investors.

    During the delegation’s tour of companies within the Zone, Rathi highlighted that LFZ provides the optimal environment for conducting business, having effectively addressed regulatory permit challenges and infrastructural hurdles.

    He underscored the Zone’s role in redefining the Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria, offering incentives and infrastructure that foster a conducive economic climate, thereby promoting trade and investment.

    “Our vision is to be the preferred industrial hub in West Africa with world-class infrastructure, and we are proud to serve global brands like BASF, Kellogg’s, Colgate, Arla, Dufil, and Lekki Port, among others, as our current tenants,” he added.

    Established in 2012, the LFZ is a unique and award-winning port-based industrial zone (850 hectares) in Lagos, Nigeria, with over $2.5 billion committed FDI projects to date.

  • Lagos Free Zone to boost production

    Lagos Free Zone to boost production

    Lagos Free Zone (LFZ), first private deep-sea port free trade zone, has vowed to boost local production.

    Chief Executive Officer, Dinesh Rathi, said the zone would actualise a “Make in Nigeria for Africa” mandate.

    LFZ won the Industrial Champion category of Global Free Zones of 2023 award by the fDi Intelligence, a service from Financial Times.

    The fDi Intelligence monitors global greenfield foreign direct investments across sectors in recognition of the leading industrial ecosystem provided by LFZ as a special economic zone.

    Rathi noted the company is delighted at the recognition and would continue to take steps to attract local and foreign investments in the manufacturing sector.

    Read Also; It’s clean-up time in Lagos

    “At Lagos Free Zone, we make it possible for businesses to “Make in Nigeria for Africa” by providing a world-class industrial ecosystem integrated with Lekki Port.

    “We invite global and local manufacturers to unlock hassle-free growth in West Africa and beyond through this ecosystem. We dedicate this recognition to all Nigerians,” he said.

    According to fDi Intelligence, LFZ was recognised as inaugural winner of Africa’s industrial champions category on account of its integration with a deep seaport to receive vessels, creating opportunities for manufacturers to export their goods.

    “When it comes to staffing projects, manufacturers benefit from the company’s community jobs portal and a future training hub, which is dedicated to vocational skills that align with its priority sectors of food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, engineering, paper, chemicals and non-metallic minerals,” it stated.

    Established in 2012, LFZ is a unique port-based industrial zone (850 hectares) in Lagos, with over USD 2.5 billion committed FDI projects to date.