Ogun State has once again taken the spotlight on the international stage as it won the Most Sustainable Going Green Stand award at the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2025, held in Algiers, Algeria.
The award, according to the organisers, recognises Ogun State’s outstanding contribution to the 2025 edition of the IATF, which ran from September 4 to 10. The prestigious plaque was signed by former Nigerian President and Chairman of the IATF 2025 Advisory Council, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.
The extraordinary exhibition was organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in collaboration with the African Union Commission and the AfCFTA Secretariat, and hosted by the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria.
During a high-level panel session titled “Investment Showcase: Unveiling Opportunities from Select African & Caribbean Sub-Sovereigns,” Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, showcased the state’s bold initiatives in attracting investment and strengthening trade.
He emphasised that Ogun is committed to breaking barriers and reaffirmed its status as Nigeria’s leading investment destination.
Abiodun also underlined the importance of subnationals in achieving the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He noted that despite Africa’s vast potential, intra-African trade accounts for only 15 percent of total trade due to weak infrastructure, cumbersome regulations, and fragmented value chains.
The governor highlighted Ogun’s economic transformation blueprint, which includes multi-modal infrastructure development such as the Gateway International Cargo Airport, dry ports in Ijebu-Ode and Kajola, over 1,200 kilometres of rehabilitated roads, and expanded gas distribution networks.
He further pointed to the creation of economic clusters and free trade zones such as the Remo Economic Development Cluster, Ijebu Economic Development Cluster, Agbara Industrial Cluster, and the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone as part of Ogun’s strategy to optimise value chains and attract global investors.
With the sustainability award, Ogun has reaffirmed its growing reputation as a green-friendly state and a major hub for trade and investment in Africa.
