In a major step towards strengthening Ogun State’s industrial and agricultural sectors, Governor Dapo Abiodun has announced a strategic partnership with Ambar Energia, a top Brazilian energy company, to establish power plants across the state.
The initiative aligns with his administration’s commitment to enhancing power supply, industrialization, and food security, benefiting both residents and the over 6,000 industries operating in the state.
Receiving a delegation from Ambar Energia, led by its President Marcelo Zanatta, at the Governor’s Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Abiodun stressed the importance of leveraging Nigeria’s constitutional amendment that allows states to generate and distribute their own electricity.
“The energy needs of our state are enormous. The current allocation is grossly inadequate. With this partnership, we aim to bridge that gap and unlock the full industrial potential of Ogun State,” Governor Abiodun stated.
Highlighting the urgency of the project, Abiodun revealed that Ogun and Lagos consume about 40% of Nigeria’s 6,000-megawatt capacity, a figure expected to rise to 45% by 2030.
He explained that Ogun’s rapidly expanding industrial zones in Ijebu-Ode, Abeokuta, Atan-Agbara, Remo, Imeko-Afon, and Aworo require localized and efficient energy solutions.
“A plant that once generated just four megawatts is being upgraded to produce 30 megawatts in its first phase to power government offices and residential areas. But this is just a drop in the ocean. Our goal is to replicate such captive power plants across the three senatorial districts of the state,” he added.
The governor emphasized that electricity remains critical to unlocking Ogun’s rich natural resources, including gold, lithium, bitumen, silica, and limestone, as well as sustaining its cement, cassava, poultry, and egg production.
He also disclosed plans for the construction of Africa’s largest garment production facility, to be located at the Special Agro-Processing Zone near the Gateway International Airport. The facility alone will require 300 megawatts of electricity to function effectively.
Commending Ambar Energia’s expertise, Governor Abiodun described the company as a major player in Brazil’s energy sector, with 27 power plants generating a combined 4.3 gigawatts of electricity.
“Our government believes in enabling private sector growth. We’re here to create the right environment for businesses to thrive because the government doesn’t do business—it facilitates it. As businesses grow, they employ people, and that brings shared prosperity,” he stated.
In a separate meeting, Governor Abiodun also received a delegation from JBJ, JBS, and SEARRA Group of Brazil, led by agribusiness mogul Jose Batista, to discuss large-scale farming and food production investments in Ogun State.
With over 16,000 square kilometers of land—more than 12,000 square kilometers of which are arable—Ogun State offers massive opportunities for agricultural expansion.
Abiodun noted that the state already has over 200,000 registered farmers engaged in various forms of crop and livestock production.
“We are establishing what will become the largest farmers’ market in Abeokuta. This will allow farmers to process and sell their products at affordable prices right from the source. We also provide them with essential inputs like tractors, land clearing, and access to reliable off-takers,” Abiodun said.
So far, the state has invested N5.4 billion in farmer support and training.
Governor Abiodun highlighted Ogun’s strategic advantages, which make it a prime location for foreign direct investment. These include Nigeria’s most extensive road network, access to land, sea, and air transport, and two major gas pipelines running through the state.
He invited the Brazilian conglomerates to take advantage of Ogun’s favorable investment climate and rich natural resources.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Aisha Rimi, lauded Ogun’s proactive efforts in attracting credible investors and described JBJ Group as Brazil’s leading cattle supplier, operating 12 farms covering over 200,000 hectares and employing more than 5,000 people.
In response, Jose Batista expressed excitement over the investment prospects in Ogun and extended an invitation to Governor Abiodun to visit Brazil for further discussions on expanding the partnership.
oyf693