• Habeeb Abiodun Sanni
• Abiodun sesimite Adesogan

Abstract The Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone is one of the free trade zones in Nigerian history that dates to the early 1990s with the enactment of the Nigeria Export Processing Zone Act 63 (FGN, 1992), resulting in the establishment of the first Free Trade zone (Calabar) and many more to contribute to economic development and reduce poverty in the country. This essay attempts a study of the relationship between the Free Trade Zone and socio-economic development in Igbesa of Ogun state, Nigeria. Igbesa is one of the rural settlements located in the south-western part of Ogun State. The essay examines the nexus between the free trade zone and the transformation it is intended to bring to this hitherto neglected community from both positive and negative perspectives. The research methodology adopted include historical narrative, using qualitative and narrative approach, use of primary and secondary data collections which include oral interviews, newspaper articles as well as journal articles, and books. These were subjected to proper scrutiny. The essay concludes that the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone has transformed Igbesa into a major industrial center attracting industrial establishments in their numbers. The zone has generated so much FDI for the state, with more than US$234 million in revenue in 2021 while having attracted more than $2 billion in total investment. It has generated thousands of jobs for the community and state at large with opportunities for more.

Free trade zone, Igbesa, Socio-economic development, Poverty reduction

"Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone as a Vehicle for the Socio-Economic Development of Igbesa Community", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.10, Issue 10, page no.f544-f557, October-2023, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2310466.pdf

"Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone as a Vehicle for the Socio-Economic Development of Igbesa Community", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.10, Issue 10, page no. ppf544-f557, October-2023, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2310466.pdf