Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has said the proposed Ondo Deep Seaport is designed to attract larger vessels than those currently operating at Lagos ports, positioning the facility as a major hub for international trade.
The governor made this known in Abuja while receiving the revalidated licence for the project from the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola. He explained that the port’s depth would enable very large vessels to berth with ease, giving it a competitive edge over existing ports in the country.
Aiyedatiwa noted that the seaport, once completed, would serve not only Nigeria but also neighbouring countries in the West African sub-region. He described the project as a gateway for international business and commerce, with far-reaching economic benefits beyond Ondo State.
The port’s licence was initially approved in 2023 under the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari but was later returned for revalidation due to errors in the documentation. In a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, Aiyedatiwa commended the Federal Government for expediting the revalidation process.
According to the governor, Ondo State is ready to commence the project, stressing that such critical infrastructure cannot be limited to state use alone because of its national and regional importance.
He further disclosed that the deep seaport has a natural draught of about 18 metres, which would eliminate the need for trans-shipment, as large vessels would be able to sail directly into Ondo waters.
Aiyedatiwa said the project would significantly boost Nigeria’s economy, adding that its impact would go beyond cargo handling. He explained that construction and eventual operations would attract increased human traffic into the state, including professionals in finance, logistics and humanitarian services, with positive implications for hospitality and other supporting sectors.
