Ondo State has received the crucial federal approval to proceed with its ambitious deep-sea port project, positioning it as a future cornerstone for international trade in West Africa.
Federal Approval and Project Significance
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa formally received the revalidated licence for the Ondo Deep Sea Port from the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, in Abuja on Thursday, December 18, 2025. The governor hailed the development, stating the port is designed to operate as a primary hub for Nigeria and the wider West African subregion.
The licence was originally approved by former President Muhammadu Buhari back in 2023. However, the document was submitted for revalidation after authorities discovered errors in the initial paperwork. Governor Aiyedatiwa, through a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, commended the Federal Government for expediting the revalidation process.
Technical Capabilities and Economic Impact
A key feature of the Ondo Deep Sea Port is its impressive natural depth. The facility boasts a draught of approximately 18 metres, which is deeper than the ports currently operating in Lagos. This design allows it to accommodate very large vessels that cannot easily berth elsewhere in the country.
This significant depth eliminates a major logistical hurdle: the need for transshipment. Instead of offloading cargo onto smaller ships at distant ports, large international vessels will be able to sail directly into Ondo State waters. The governor emphasized that the port's utility extends far beyond simple cargo movement. He described it as critical national infrastructure that will serve as a gateway for international business and operations.
Broader Benefits for Ondo and Nigeria
The economic implications of the project are vast. Governor Aiyedatiwa stressed that the benefits will ripple through multiple sectors. Once construction begins, the state anticipates a substantial influx of people, including professionals in finance, logistics, and humanitarian services.
This increased activity is expected to provide a major boost to local industries such as hospitality, commerce, and real estate. The governor framed the port as a project with transformative potential for the entire Nigerian economy, creating jobs and stimulating industrial growth far beyond Ondo's borders.
The state government has confirmed its readiness to commence work on the project immediately, marking a new chapter in Nigeria's maritime and economic development strategy.
