25th February, 2025
The Lagos State Government has launched Operation Quadrant Ignite (OQI), an ambitious initiative aimed at transforming the Lekki Economic Zone (LEZ) into Africa’s leading destination for manufacturing, trade, and investment.
Folashade Ambrose, the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, unveiled the initiative, which is central to Lagos’ industrialisation strategy, at the Design and Innovation Exhibition during Design Week Lagos, held at Victoria Island today.
In her remarks at the event, Ambrose explained that Lekki has long been envisioned as the industrial hub that would leverage Lagos’ strategic location, abundant resources, and robust infrastructure—a vision now being realised through Operation Quadrant Ignite.
Her statement: “Through this initiative, the Lagos State Government, under the able leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is unlocking the full potential of the Lekki Economic Zone, ensuring that underutilised assets are repurposed and land use is optimised for maximum productivity. This transformation is not just about land development; it is about creating an integrated industrial ecosystem that fosters innovation, efficiency, and global competitiveness.”
A key component of Operation Quadrant Ignite is the establishment of a Catalytic Fund designed to provide targeted financing for high-growth industrial projects.
Ambrose continued: “By attracting investment from Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), Private Equity firms, and venture capitalists, this fund will serve as a catalyst for industrial expansion, enabling businesses to scale rapidly while ensuring that local enterprises are not left behind in the process.”
She further highlighted the importance of the Lekki Deep Sea Port, which positions Lagos as a hub for export-driven manufacturing, combining efficient logistics, world-class port facilities, and seamless trade.
“We recognise infrastructure as the backbone of industrial growth that will enable Lagos-based industries to compete effectively in the global market, ensuring that locally manufactured goods reach international consumers with speed and efficiency.
This initiative prioritises the development of world-class road networks, reliable energy supply, and digital connectivity, providing industries with the essential infrastructure they need to thrive, and reinforcing Lagos’ reputation as the preferred destination for industrial investments in Africa.”
Ambrose added: “Operation Quadrant Ignite is more than a policy; it is a commitment; a commitment to sustainable industrial growth, a commitment to unlocking economic potential, and a commitment to positioning Lagos as a global leader in industrialisation. Through this initiative, the Sanwo-Olu administration is not just envisioning a more prosperous Lagos, we are actively building it.”
Ambrose stressed that the industrial transformation of Lagos is well underway and that the opportunities ahead are limitless, inviting stakeholders, investors, and partners to join in this bold journey that will ensure Lagos remains at the heart of Africa’s industrial evolution.
Adeniyi Akinlusi, Managing Director of Lekki Worldwide Investments Limited, described the Lekki Economic Zone as home to leading enterprises and manufacturing sectors shaping Nigeria’s industrialisation.
“The Lekki Economic Zone holds considerable potential and has a crucial role to play in Lagos’ bid to set the pace in the new frontier of African industrialisation.”
Titi Ogunfere, Founder of Design Week Lagos, framed the gathering as not just an exhibition but a declaration of the future of Nigeria’s industrial and manufacturing sectors.
“As we stand at the crossroads of transformation, we recognise that true economic progress is driven by design, manufacturing, and innovation. The nations that have led the world—whether through technological revolutions or manufacturing excellence—have been built by design.”
Ogunfere continued: “History has shown us that design and industrialisation go hand in hand. Today, Nigeria stands at that same inflection point. We are a nation rich in talent, resources, and ideas, and as seen in this exhibition, the potential for design-led manufacturing is immense. The products showcased here—from furniture and industrial design to product invention—have proved that we have the creativity, skill, and vision to compete on a global scale.”
She added: “But potential alone is not enough. To move from vision to reality, we must create the right policies, infrastructure, and business environments that empower designers, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs to produce at scale—not just for local markets but for export.”
Ogunfere concluded: “That is why today’s discussions on industrialisation and investment are so critical. The Lekki Free Trade Zone and other industrial hubs offer an unparalleled opportunity to develop a Made-in-Nigeria export economy, but this requires collective action. We must bridge the gap between designers and manufacturers, ensuring that ideas do not remain concepts but become tangible products.”
The event also featured a panel of esteemed speakers, including Segun Ajayi-Kadiri, Director General of the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN); Yomi Ogunmola, Managing Director of Alaro City; Adenike Ogunlesi, Founder/Chief Responsibility Officer of Ruff ‘N’ Tumble; Bolatito Ajibode, Deputy Managing Director of Lekki Free Zone Development Company; Mineshaft Rathi, Group Finance Director of Tolaram Group; Muda Yusuf, Industrial Policy Commission Facilitator and National Practice Lead at the Nigeria Economic Summit Group; and Tosin Osunkoya, CEO of Commercio Partners Asset Management.
