CITIZENS COMPASS– In a bold move to drive industrial growth and food security, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced a strategic partnership with Ambar Energia, a leading Brazilian energy company, to establish power plants across the state. This initiative aligns with his administration’s commitment to providing reliable power supply and boosting agricultural production to support both residents and the over 6,000 industries operating within the state.
Speaking while receiving a delegation from Ambar Energia, led by its President Marcelo Zanatta, at the Governor’s Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun emphasized that Ogun State—widely recognized as Nigeria’s industrial capital—must take full advantage of the constitutional amendment that decentralizes power generation, allowing states to produce and distribute electricity independently.
“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,” the governor said.
Highlighting the urgency, the governor noted that Ogun and Lagos states currently consume about 40% of Nigeria’s 6,000 megawatts, yet demand is projected to rise to 45% of the megawatts by 2030. He said Ogun’s rapidly growing industrial clusters—such as Ijebu-Ode, Abeokuta, Atan-Agbara, Remo, Imeko-Afon, and Aworo—require robust and localized energy solutions.
“We’re expanding our current power infrastructure. A plant that once generated just four megawatts is being upgraded to produce 30 megawatts in its first phase—primarily to serve government offices and residential areas. But this is merely a drop in the ocean. Our goal is to replicate such captive power plants across the three senatorial districts of the state,” he added.
Governor Abiodun reiterated that electricity is the key to unlocking the state’s abundant natural resources, including gold, lithium, bitumen, silica, limestone, and its dominance in cement, cassava, poultry, and egg production.
He also revealed that construction is set to begin on Africa’s largest garment production facility, to be located at the Special Agro-Processing Zone near the Gateway International Airport, which alone will require 300 megawatts of electricity to operate.
Commending Ambar Energia—ranked among Brazil’s top five energy firms with 27 plants and a combined capacity of 4.3 gigawatts—Governor Abiodun expressed confidence in the firm’s technical capacity and commitment to collaboration.
“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.
Marcelo Zanatta, President of Ambar Energia, expressed readiness to work with the state in developing sustainable energy solutions, noting that his team had already visited critical infrastructure sites including the Gateway International Airport, Olorunsogo Power Plant, and the Onijanganjangan Power Plant.
In a related development, Governor Abiodun also received a delegation from the JBJ, JBS, and SEARRA Group of Brazil, led by renowned agribusiness leader Jose Batista, to discuss potential investments in large-scale farming and food production.
With over 16,000 square kilometres of land, of which more than 12,000 square kilometres are arable, Ogun State offers vast opportunities for agricultural expansion. The governor noted that the state boasts over 200,000 registered farmers, actively engaged in diverse food crop production.
“We are establishing what will become the largest farmers’ market in Abeokuta. It will allow farmers to process and sell their products at affordable prices, right from the source. We also support them with inputs like tractors, land clearing, and linkages to reliable off-takers,” he said.
So far, N5.4 billion has been invested in farmer support and training.
Governor Abiodun pointed out that Ogun State has the most extensive road network in Nigeria and a well-integrated multi-modal transport system—including access by land, sea, and air—plus two major gas pipelines running through the state, making it a logistics and industrial hub ripe for foreign direct investment.
He extended an invitation to the Brazilian conglomerates to take advantage of Ogun’s strategic location, rich resources, and investor-friendly environment.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Aisha Rimi, commended Ogun State’s proactive efforts in attracting credible investors and described JBJ Group as Brazil’s leading cattle supplier, operating 12 farms spanning over 200,000 hectares and employing more than 5,000 people.
In his response, Mr. Jose Batista expressed satisfaction with the state’s readiness and enthusiasm and extended an invitation to Governor Abiodun to visit Brazil to deepen investment ties.
