The Special Adviser to the Governor and Deputy Director-General of the Ogun State Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency (OgunInvest), Ms. Sola Arobieke, says Ogun State’s ongoing industrial expansion is driven by the reforms and investor-friendly policies of Ogun State 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 the African Industries Group (AIG), in Ogijo, Ms. Arobieke described the project as a milestone that reflects the synergy 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, solid infrastructure, and meaningful partnerships,” she stated.

She noted that the new facility, which is the  first of its kind in Nigeria and West Africa, will serve multiple industries such as steel, cement, glass, aluminium, and food processing, helping Nigeria reduce its steel import bill and strengthen its manufacturing base.

Arobieke added that OgunInvest continues to provide seamless facilitation and post-investment support to investors, making Ogun State one of the most industrially competitive environments in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Director of ARAP, Mr. Don Terblanche, welcomed guests to the commissioning and reaffirmed the company’s readiness to deliver high-quality refractory products that will meet industrial demand across various sectors.

In his address, the Director, Corporate Affairs, African Industries Group, Mr. Taiwo Okeowo, said the plant represents another demonstration of AIG’s longstanding commitment to Nigeria’s industrial advancement.

He noted that ARAP, with a strong record of manufacturing excellence, remains dedicated to contributing to the economic growth of Ogun State and the nation.

Also present at the event was the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of ARAP, Mr. Arindam Gupta, alongside other senior directors of the company.