Ondo Deep Sea Port will serve Nigeria, West Africa – Aiyedatiwa

The Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has said the proposed Ondo Deep Sea Port will serve as a major hub for international trade, benefiting not only Ondo State but Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries.

Aiyedatiwa made the assertion on Thursday in Abuja after receiving the revalidated licence for the port from the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Adegboyega Oyetola.

The licence, which was initially approved by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023, was returned to the Federal Government for revalidation following the identification of errors in the original document.

Speaking at a brief ceremony at the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the governor expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for fast-tracking the revalidation process.

Addressing journalists after the event, Aiyedatiwa said the Ondo State Government was fully prepared to commence the project, describing the port as a strategic national asset and a gateway to international trade and business.

He noted that such critical infrastructure could not be limited to state-level use, adding that the deep sea port would significantly boost industry, commerce and overall economic activities across the country.

According to the governor, the port is designed to serve businesses across Nigeria and West Africa, with a natural draught of about 18 metres, which would allow very large vessels—larger than those currently operating in Lagos ports—to berth seamlessly.

Aiyedatiwa added that the depth and size of the port would eliminate the need for trans-shipment, as large vessels would be able to sail directly into Ondo State waters.

He said the project would have far-reaching economic benefits beyond cargo handling, explaining that once construction begins, it would attract increased human traffic into the state, including professionals in finance, logistics and humanitarian services, with positive effects on the hospitality and service sectors.