As Gov Aiyedatiwa Declares: “Port Will Drive International Trade, Boost Economy Beyond Ondo”
Ondo State has officially received a revalidated licence for its proposed Deep Sea Port from the Federal Government, marking a major milestone in the state’s economic development agenda.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa received the updated licence on Thursday in Abuja from the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Adegboyega Oyetola. The previous licence, granted in 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, required corrections and was submitted for revalidation.
Speaking after the brief ceremony at the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed deep appreciation to the Federal Government for the swift handling of the process, describing the development as a “new dawn” for economic expansion in the state and beyond.
“The Ondo Deep Sea Port is not just for Ondo. It’s a national and sub-regional asset,” the Governor said. “With its 18-metre natural draught, it will welcome vessels larger than those currently operating in Lagos, eliminating the need for trans-shipment.”
He noted that the port will serve as a strategic hub for international trade and business, linking Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries to global markets.
“It will open up the state to industrial growth, job creation, and massive private sector investments,” he added.
The Governor assured that the state is fully ready to commence the project, adding that the port would impact various sectors, including logistics, financial services, tourism, and hospitality.
As construction nears, stakeholders anticipate a transformation of Ondo’s coastline into a bustling economic zone, with ripple effects across the Nigerian economy.
