The Special Adviser to the Governor and Deputy Director-General of the Ogun State Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency (OgunInvest), Ms. Sola Arobieke, has attributed Ogun State’s sustained industrial growth to the far-reaching reforms and investor-friendly policies of Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun.

Speaking at the commissioning of the ₦1.3 billion Monolithic Refractory Plant of African Refractory and Allied Products (ARAP), a subsidiary of African Industries Group (AIG) in Ogijo, Arobieke described the project as a major milestone reflecting the productive partnership between government and the private sector.

“Under His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Ogun State Government remains fully committed to supporting investors and manufacturers through sound policies, robust infrastructure, and effective partnerships,” she said.

She noted that the new ARAP facility, the first of its kind in Nigeria and West Africa, will serve multiple sectors including steel, cement, glass, aluminium, and food processing, thereby helping to reduce Nigeria’s steel import bill and strengthen its manufacturing base.

Arobieke added that OgunInvest continues to provide seamless facilitation and post-investment support to local and foreign investors, positioning Ogun as one of the most competitive industrial destinations in sub-Saharan Africa.

Also speaking, Mr. Don Terblanche, Director of ARAP, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering world-class refractory products to meet growing industrial demand across the region.

In his remarks, the Director of Corporate Affairs, AIG, Mr. Taiwo Okeowo, said the new plant underscores AIG’s enduring commitment to Nigeria’s industrial advancement, highlighting ARAP’s proven track record of manufacturing excellence and contribution to Ogun State’s economic growth.

The event was also attended by the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of ARAP, Mr. Arindam Gupta, and other senior directors of the company.