Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced that construction work on the Gateway Deep Sea Port and Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone will commence in November. The project, valued at over $7 billion, is a partnership between the Ogun State government and 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 governor emphasized that the project would unlock Ogun State's maritime and economic potential.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the project is scheduled to take place in November, after which construction will commence immediately. Abiodun stated that the port is expected to be substantially completed within two and a half years. The project had remained largely unrealized for over three decades despite its enormous potential. Abiodun's administration has revived the project as part of its strategy to attract investment and accelerate economic development in the state.
The Gateway Deep Sea Port project is a significant opportunity for Ogun State to position itself as a major maritime destination in Africa. According to Abiodun, the port will make Ogun State the marine capital of Africa and the marine hub of West Africa. The governor noted that the biggest ships in the world will first come to Ogun Waterside, enhancing the state's economic prospects.
Abiodun expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for the project. The President personally witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DP World MEA FZE in Paris, France, and assured investors of the Federal Government's backing. The governor also cited ongoing federal infrastructure projects as complementary developments that will enhance connectivity to Ogun East.
The rehabilitation of the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode-Ore Road with concrete pavement and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway are some of the federal infrastructure projects that will complement the deep sea port. Abiodun drew attention to the mineral and energy resources in the senatorial district, particularly the extensive bitumen deposits in Ijebu East. The area is referred to as the Bitumen Belt, with the largest deposit of bitumen in Sub-Saharan Africa.
In addition to the bitumen deposits, Abiodun noted the presence of crude oil resources in other parts of the state, including Odogbolu. His administration will continue to explore opportunities to harness the state's natural resources for economic development. The governor also addressed the 2027 elections, commending APC members for remaining committed to the party despite the outcome of the recent primaries.
Abiodun called on party leaders to pursue genuine reconciliation, bring aggrieved members back into the fold, and broaden the party's membership base. The governor appealed to APC members to remain united and work towards the party's success in the future. With the construction of the deep sea port set to commence in November, Ogun State is poised to experience significant economic growth and development.
Key points
- The construction of the $7 billion Gateway Deep Sea Port in Ogun State will commence in November.
- The project is expected to be substantially completed within two and a half years.
- The deep sea port will position Ogun State as a major maritime destination in Africa.
