Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has emphasized that the planned Ondo Deep Sea Port will emerge as a pivotal hub for international trade, offering benefits not only to Ondo State but also to Nigeria and neighboiring West African nations.
The governor made the remarks after receiving the revalidated licence for the project from the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Adegboyega Oyetola.
“The state government is fully prepared to commence the project,” Aiyedatiwa stated, describing the port as “critical infrastructure that goes beyond state-level use and positions Ondo as a gateway for international business and maritime operations.”
He highlighted that the deep sea port is structured to support industries, commerce, and the wider economy, providing facilities capable of hosting businesses from across Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
“The port has a natural draught of about 18 metres, which would allow very large vessels—larger than those currently operating in Lagos ports—to berth easily,” the governor explained.
Aiyedatiwa further noted that the port’s depth and scale would remove the need for trans-shipment, allowing vessels to sail directly into Ondo State waters.
He also outlined the broader economic impacts of the project, stating, “Once construction begins, the state would witness increased human and commercial activities.”
“The influx of investors, financial institutions, and humanitarian service providers would also boost hospitality and related sectors in the state,” he added.
The governor concluded by expressing gratitude to the Federal Government for fast-tracking the port’s licence revalidation, calling it “a significant step toward realising the long-awaited project.”
