A $2.5 billion cotton processing plant, billed as the largest in the world, is set to begin operations in Ogun State under the Renewed Hope Cotton Resurgence initiative. Governor Dapo Abiodun made this announcement during the launch of the Agriconnect Mini programme in Abeokuta, describing the project as a major industrial milestone for the state and Nigeria’s textile sector.
According to the governor, the factory will process 1,000 tonnes of cotton daily and has the capacity to produce up to four million garments per day. When fully operational, it is projected to create about 250,000 direct and indirect jobs across the cotton-to-garment value chain. The groundbreaking ceremony will be conducted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu within the next 60 days.
Governor Abiodun emphasized that this mega factory marks a turning point for Ogun State’s industrial and agricultural sectors, significantly boosting local production and export capacity. He linked the initiative to broader national goals of economic diversification and job creation.
The announcement came during the launch of the Agriconnect platform—a digital initiative developed in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the Ogun State Government, and telecommunications partners. The Agriconnect scheme is designed to equip farmers with real-time agricultural intelligence using mobile technology.
“Agriconnect is not just about increasing farm output—it’s about creating a smart, tech-driven agricultural ecosystem. This platform gives farmers access to timely information on what to plant, when to plant, and how to access markets,” Abiodun explained.
The governor also revealed that 1,000 farmers already registered under the Ogun State Farmers’ Information Management System will be the first to benefit from the digital platform.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, stated that the federal government’s agricultural vision includes cultivating 500,000 hectares of farmland nationwide, with an emphasis on digital tools, innovation, and precision farming to enhance productivity.
Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture, Bolu Owootomo, described the Agriconnect platform as a bridge between traditional farming and the modern economy, allowing farmers to transition from basic food production to entrepreneurship and agribusiness.
With the cotton factory and Agriconnect programme, Ogun State is positioning itself as a leading hub for textile manufacturing and agricultural innovation in West Africa. The developments are expected to enhance food security, expand export potential, and drive economic growth rooted in industrial-scale agriculture and digital inclusion.
