Ondo State is set to welcome a transformative $2.6 billion investment, following a strategic meeting between Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and his Bauchi State counterpart, Senator Bala Mohammed, aimed at strengthening inter-state cooperation in agriculture and industrial development.

The high-level meeting, held Friday in Akure, laid the groundwork for the establishment of a fertilizer and harmonial plant as well as a petrochemical facility in Ondo State all expected to be completed within 12 months.

The investment, driven by Residents Group Cement, is projected to significantly enhance the state’s economy, create thousands of jobs, and boost agricultural productivity.

The investor, Dr. Abbas Waziri, Executive Director of Residents Group Cement, accompanied Governor Mohammed to the meeting in Akure, where he confirmed the company’s commitment to the multi-billion-dollar project. “We are looking at investing $2.6 billion in the State, and within 12 months it would be ready,” he stated.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, in his remarks, expressed deep appreciation to Governor Mohammed for facilitating the opportunity, noting that the initiative aligns with his administration’s development priorities.

“I want to specially thank Governor Bala Mohammed for this development and for personally visiting us here. I have also watched what you are doing in Bauchi State partnering with local and international investors to transform your state. That is what we are replicating here,” Aiyedatiwa said.

The Governor also used the occasion to highlight major infrastructure projects, including the Ondo Deep Seaport and road dualization between Igbokoda and Ore, designed to support large-scale industrial operations.

“We have the longest coastline in Nigeria with the deepest draft. The deep seaport project will be a game-changer. The previous administration began it, and I’m committed to completing it. This will be the first in Nigeria that can handle modern vessels,” he said.

He added that key infrastructure to support industrialization is already underway: “I just flagged off the dualisation of Igbokoda to Okitipupa road, and the second phase will extend to Ore. These roads will be ready before your plant is completed.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa assured the investors of a conducive business environment, maximum security, and full government support to ensure smooth take-off and operations.

Governor Bala Mohammed, in his remarks, praised his Ondo counterpart for taking bold steps to diversify the state’s economy beyond reliance on federal allocations. He commended Aiyedatiwa’s efforts to attract investors and build sustainable economic structures.

“Far away in Bauchi, we have been watching your progress with keen interest. There’s a lot of similarity between us—we’re both providing our people the space to pursue their aspirations,” he said.

Mohammed revealed that Residents Group Cement had already established a $1.5 billion cement factory in Bauchi State and that Ondo was now poised to benefit from a similar investment model.

The meeting was attended by top officials from the Ondo State Government, including the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; and the Administrative Secretary of the Ondo State Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), Barr. Emmanuel Omomowo.

The partnership between the two states marks a significant step in regional collaboration for sustainable development and economic diversification.