Ondo Deep Seaport will herald new era of growth — Analyst
By Boye Oyeyemi –
Public affairs analyst Ben Afolami has said the proposed Ondo Deep Seaport will usher in a new era of economic transformation for the state, especially in the Southern Senatorial District.
Speaking with WESTERN POST, Afolami described the project as a catalyst for massive job creation, industrialisation, and investment inflow, saying, “The Ondo Deep Seaport is a game-changer for Ondo State. It is safe to conclude that Ondo is the next Lagos.”
He predicted that within the next 20 years, the state could become Nigeria’s new economic hub, noting that as Lagos reaches its capacity limits, Ondo would emerge as the natural alternative for major trade and shipping operations.
According to him, the project would turn the coastal communities into vibrant export centres for commodities like cocoa and rubber while attracting foreign investments capable of doubling the region’s GDP in a decade.
Afolami applauded Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his proactive approach, particularly the ongoing environmental impact assessments being supervised by the Federal Ministry of Environment, which he said showed the state’s readiness for takeoff.
He, however, urged the government to prioritise fair compensation and proper community engagement to prevent land disputes similar to those experienced in the Lekki-Epe corridor.
Afolami also called for stronger security measures and transparency in the project’s execution, stressing that empowering the Amotekun Corps and maintaining accountability would ensure the seaport becomes a lasting pillar of Ondo State’s economic strength.
