Sanwo-Olu Hails Arridex Factory as Manufacturing Boost
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has described the commissioning of Arridex Omnifactory as a major milestone in the state’s drive to become Africa’s leading manufacturing and innovation hub.
Speaking at the inauguration of the facility in Victoria Island, Lagos, Sanwo-Olu said the project represents a significant leap forward for Nigeria’s industrial sector, particularly in advanced manufacturing and technological innovation. The governor noted that the factory aligns with his administration’s vision of positioning Lagos as a centre for industrial growth, investment, and economic transformation.
The Arridex Omnifactory, described as West Africa’s first multi-technology industrial additive manufacturing facility, is designed to produce industrial components, spare parts, and advanced engineering solutions for sectors including oil and gas, maritime, aerospace, defence, construction, and manufacturing. The facility integrates cutting-edge technologies such as laser powder bed fusion, cold spray, fused filament fabrication, and selective laser sintering under one roof.
According to the governor, local production of industrial components will help reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported parts and foreign supply chains, a challenge that has often disrupted operations in critical industries. He stressed that investments in advanced manufacturing are essential to building industrial resilience and boosting the country’s competitiveness in the global economy.
Sanwo-Olu further stated that the factory’s establishment demonstrates what can be achieved when innovation, indigenous expertise, and private-sector investment converge. He commended Arridex for pioneering technologies that not only serve Nigeria but also have the potential to support industrial development across Africa.
Chief Executive Officer of Arridex, Kayode Adeleke, said the facility was established to address Africa’s long-standing dependence on fragile global supply chains. He explained that the Omnifactory would enable faster local production, accelerate innovation, and improve industrial self-sufficiency across key sectors of the economy.
Formerly known as RusselSmith, Arridex recently transitioned into a broader industrial technology group, expanding beyond its oil and gas roots to serve multiple sectors. The company said the commissioning of the Omnifactory marks a new chapter in its mission to strengthen Africa’s manufacturing capabilities and promote homegrown industrial solutions.
The launch comes as Lagos intensifies efforts to attract investments in manufacturing, technology, logistics, and infrastructure. Through its recently unveiled industrial policy, the state aims to reduce import dependence, increase local value addition, and position itself as a strategic gateway for industrial growth under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Industry stakeholders believe the Arridex facility could play a pivotal role in advancing Nigeria’s manufacturing sector by enabling local production of critical industrial components, creating skilled jobs, and fostering technological innovation that supports long-term economic development.
