Cardinal Torch Explores Strategic Expansion Opportunities in Alaro City

In October 2025, Cardinal Torch Company Limited’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. David Olurin, led a company delegation on a strategic visit to Alaro City, one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing mixed-use urban developments situated within the Lagos Free Trade Zone in Epe.

The visit, which included a guided tour of the city’s commercial and residential zones, showcased the evolving potential of Alaro City as a regional hub for commerce, logistics, and manufacturing. The delegation concluded their visit by attending a friendly rugby match between Nigeria’s and South Africa’s female national teams—a symbolic gesture reflecting partnership, diversity, and shared ambition across Africa’s emerging markets.

Positioning for Nigeria’s Manufacturing Growth Agenda

The visit came at a time when Nigeria’s economic diversification efforts are accelerating. With government and private sector initiatives focused on reducing dependence on crude oil exports, attention has increasingly turned to industrial capacity development, agro-processing, and value addition.

Within this context, Alaro City’s integration into the Lagos Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) provides a strategic advantage. Businesses operating there benefit from tax incentives, simplified customs procedures, and world-class infrastructure that support efficient production and export activities.

For Cardinal Torch, the expansion aligns directly with our long-term vision to evolve from a commodity trading company into a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) enterprise, manufacturing products for both local consumption and regional export within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

Strategic Warehousing with TY Logistics

As part of the visit, the Cardinal Torch delegation toured the soon-to-be operational TY Logistics facility, which is set to commence operations in November 2025. The facility introduces an innovative pay-as-you-use warehousing model — providing raw material and finished goods storage, logistics coordination, and supply chain services to manufacturers operating within the free trade zone.

Unlike traditional warehousing that requires significant upfront capital investment, this flexible model enables manufacturers to preserve liquidity, redirecting funds toward production, innovation, and workforce development.

This approach reflects the broader industrial logic driving Nigeria’s modern manufacturing environment: collaboration, efficiency, and shared infrastructure. By reducing operational barriers, manufacturers can scale more rapidly, improve cash flow, and respond dynamically to market shifts. This philosophy closely mirrors Cardinal Torch’s approach to operational agility and capital efficiency.

Cardinal Torch’s Expansion Blueprint

As part of our expansion strategy, Cardinal Torch is securing a 5,000 m² facility within Alaro City to establish our pasta, noodle, and soft drink manufacturing plants. This investment represents a critical step in the company’s evolution toward value-added processing and FMCG production, complementing our established presence in commodity trading and exports.

The decision to locate within Alaro City was driven by several key factors:

• Proximity to Lagos Port and key export corridors, ensuring cost-efficient access to domestic and international markets.
• Integrated infrastructure, including roads, power, water, and broadband, designed to support large-scale industrial activity.
• Regulatory incentives under the Lagos Free Trade Zone Authority (LFTZA), offering competitive advantages for manufacturers and exporters.
• Collaborative ecosystem, where companies share logistics, warehousing, and distribution platforms—creating a community of innovation and efficiency.

Through this development, Cardinal Torch aims to create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, stimulate local supply chains, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in processed food and beverage markets.

Sustainability and ESG-Driven Industrial Strategy

True to our values, this expansion is not just about scale; it reflects Cardinal Torch’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)-driven growth philosophy. The company remains committed to building industries that operate responsibly, reduce waste, and contribute positively to the environment and communities around them.

Our proposed facilities in Alaro City will incorporate:

• Energy-efficient production systems that minimize emissions and resource waste.
• Sustainable water use and waste management frameworks consistent with global environmental standards.
• Workforce development initiatives, including technical training and inclusion programs for young professionals in manufacturing and logistics.

By aligning with Nigeria’s industrial policies and sustainability goals, Cardinal Torch seeks to demonstrate that responsible manufacturing can also be competitive, profitable, and transformative.

Synergy with Nigeria’s Industrial Vision

The Federal Government of Nigeria’s Manufacturing Growth Agenda emphasizes private investment, innovation, and regional trade integration. Alaro City — a joint venture between Rendeavour, Africa’s largest urban developer, and the Lagos State Government—embodies these ambitions by offering an environment where businesses can thrive under stable policies and shared infrastructure.

Cardinal Torch’s commitment to establishing a presence within this ecosystem reflects a strategic alignment with Nigeria’s push toward inclusive industrialization. Beyond profitability, the move strengthens the national economy through:

• Employment creation, particularly for skilled and semi-skilled workers.
• Value addition to agricultural commodities, reducing import dependency.
• Regional trade facilitation through AfCFTA, positioning Lagos as a manufacturing and export hub for West Africa.

A Forward-Looking Industrial Ecosystem

As TY Logistics begins operations and more manufacturing companies settle within Alaro City, the synergy between logistics providers, producers, and exporters is expected to deepen. This will create a value chain that integrates sourcing, production, storage, and transportation—ensuring seamless movement of goods from factory to market.

For Cardinal Torch, this environment represents more than an investment opportunity; it embodies the future of Nigeria’s industrial transformation. By combining modern manufacturing infrastructure with responsible governance and long-term strategic vision, the company is taking measured steps toward becoming a leading FMCG player with footprints across Africa and beyond.

Conclusion: Building the Future Responsibly

The visit to Alaro City reaffirmed Cardinal Torch’s strategic direction—grounded in growth, responsibility, and innovation. Our decision to invest in manufacturing within the Lagos Free Trade Zone demonstrates confidence in Nigeria’s economy and our belief in the transformative power of sustainable industrialization.

As we plan towards our 5,000 m² production facility, we remain focused on our mission: to create value through responsible trade and transformative industry—driving opportunity for people, partners, and communities across Africa.