Lee Group, a Hong Kong-based multinational conglomerate, has begun developing a $1.8 billion industrial park in Ogun State, Nigeria, with plans to establish more than 29 manufacturing facilities and create approximately 15,000 direct and indirect jobs. The project is expected to reach a gross development value of $3 billion when completed.

The groundbreaking marks a major step in the conglomerate’s plans to expand its manufacturing footprint in Nigeria, with the 450-hectare development designed to serve domestic demand through local production rather than rely primarily on leasing or selling industrial plots.

A $1.8 billion manufacturing bet

Lee Group Chairman Sheau Lee said the project was conceived in 2009 by his late father, Man Lung Lee, as his final development project in Africa. Initially planned across approximately 650 hectares, the industrial park has since been structured as a phased manufacturing development covering 450 hectares.

Lee said the group expects to invest approximately $1.8 billion over the coming years, combining factories owned by the conglomerate with investments from strategic partners, particularly manufacturers from China. More than 29 production facilities are planned, with the completed development expected to generate substantial industrial capacity and employment.

Factories targeting Nigerian demand

Located at Makun Bridge, near the Sagamu Interchange along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the industrial park is expected to accommodate manufacturers across several sectors. Planned industries include food and beverages, footwear, leather processing, detergents, personal care products, automotive components, plastics manufacturing and recycling.

Unlike conventional industrial estates built around selling or renting factory plots, Lee said the development would prioritize actual manufacturing operations. The strategy is intended to increase local production capacity, deepen industrial activity and create opportunities for businesses seeking to manufacture goods closer to Nigerian consumers.

Government backs industrial expansion

Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment John Enoh described the investment as an important step toward implementing Nigeria’s industrial policy, which emphasizes productivity, domestic value addition and economic transformation.

The project comes as Nigeria seeks to attract manufacturing capital, reduce dependence on imported finished goods and expand employment opportunities. Its location along the Lagos-Ibadan corridor also places the development within one of the country’s important commercial and industrial routes.

Lee Group’s African manufacturing footprint

Lee Group traces its Nigerian operations to 1962, when it established an enamelware factory in Port Harcourt. The Hong Kong-based conglomerate has since expanded across manufacturing, global sourcing, product development and quality assurance, building operations across Africa, Asia and Europe.

The company operates more than 80 factories across Africa and employs approximately 26,000 people worldwide. Its African manufacturing portfolio includes footwear, woven plastic bags, polybags and food containers, with brands including APIN Footwear, Viva bags and Decent-Polybag.

The Ogun industrial park represents a further expansion of that manufacturing presence, with Lee Group seeking to combine its existing industrial capabilities with new partnerships and production facilities.

If delivered as planned, the development would add significant manufacturing capacity to Nigeria’s industrial base while positioning the group for a larger share of the country’s consumer market.