Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has announced that construction work on the over $7 billion Gateway Deep Sea Port and Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone will commence in November. The project, located in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, is a partnership with DP World MEA FZE. Abiodun made the disclosure while addressing All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Ijebu East and Ijebu North Local Government Areas. The groundbreaking ceremony for the project is expected to take place in November, after which construction will start immediately.
The Ogun Deep Sea Port project has been unrealised for over three decades despite its enormous potential. Abiodun's administration aims to revive it as part of its strategy to attract investment and accelerate economic development. The project is expected to position Ogun as a major maritime destination in Africa. According to Abiodun, the port will enable Ogun State to become the marine capital of Africa and the marine hub of West Africa. The port will allow large ships to dock, boosting the state's economy.
Abiodun expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for the project. The President witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DP World MEA FZE in Paris, France, and assured investors of the Federal Government's backing. The governor also highlighted ongoing federal infrastructure projects that will enhance connectivity to Ogun East. These projects include the rehabilitation of the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode-Ore Road and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
The Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone is expected to harness the state's natural resources for economic development. Abiodun noted the presence of extensive bitumen deposits in Ijebu East, which he referred to as the "Bitumen Belt." The area, stretching from Ijebu East to Ondo State, has the largest deposit of bitumen in Sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, crude oil resources are present in other parts of the state, including Odogbolu.
Abiodun also addressed the 2027 elections, commending APC members for their commitment to the party. He called on party leaders to pursue genuine reconciliation and bring aggrieved members back into the fold. The governor urged party members to intensify mobilisation ahead of the elections, with the objective of securing victory for all APC candidates.
The State Chairman of the APC, Chief Yemi Sanusi, highlighted the administration's achievements over the past seven years. He stated that Ogun East required effective representation capable of working with the President to attract further development to the district. The APC Campaign Director-General, Senator Lekan Mustapha, emphasised that Ogun East is endowed with substantial natural resources that could accelerate the district's economic growth.
The construction of the Ogun Deep Sea Port is expected to be substantially completed within two and a half years. The project will create new opportunities for economic growth and development in Ogun State. With the port's completion, Ogun State will become a major player in Africa's maritime industry. The project is a significant step towards achieving Abiodun's vision of making Ogun State the marine capital of Africa.
Key points
- The construction of the Ogun Deep Sea Port will start in November and is expected to be completed within two and a half years.
- The project will position Ogun State as a major maritime destination in Africa.
- The port will enable large ships to dock, boosting the state's economy.
