- …after initial error, state now get full operating licence from FG
Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has said the proposed Ondo Deep Sea Port will serve as a major hub for international trade, benefiting not only Ondo State but Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries.
Governor Aiyedatiwa stated this in Abuja after receiving the revalidated operating licence for the port from the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Adegboyega Oyetola.
The licence, originally approved in 2023 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, was resubmitted for revalidation following errors discovered in the original document.
Recall that earlier this year, Governor Aiyedatiwa attributed the delay in the execution of the project to an error in the name on the operating licence issued by the federal government.
According to him, the licence was wrongly issued in the name of one of the project’s prospective partners instead of Ondo Port Development Limited, the actual licence holder representing the state and its investors.
“There was an error made when the Ondo State Deep Sea Port licence was issued. Ordinarily, it should have been issued in the name of Ondo Port Development Limited, but it was erroneously written in the name of one of the partners.
“Because of that, we had to initiate processes to correct the error, which meant virtually starting all over again due to the procedures involved. The analysis changed over time, and we had to go through the process afresh.
“Right now, we are at the stage of correcting that error and opening up opportunities for more investors to partner with us. I can assure you that Ondo State Deep Sea Port Limited has come to stay. It is a port that will benefit not only Ondo State but all Nigerians,” the governor had said.
The proposed port is located in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State and occupies a landmass of 2,771.2 hectares. The site also includes an industrial city with Free Trade Zone status.
Receiving the revalidated licence at a brief ceremony at the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy on Thursday, Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the federal government for fast-tracking the revalidation process.
Addressing journalists after the ceremony, he said the state government was fully prepared to commence the project, describing the port as a gateway to international commerce.
He noted that such a strategic infrastructure could not be restricted to state-level usage, adding that it would support industries, businesses, and the national economy.
The governor explained that the port is designed to serve businesses across Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries, boasting a natural draught of about 18 metres.
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According to him, the depth would enable very large vessels – bigger than those currently operating in Lagos ports – to berth easily, thereby eliminating the need for trans-shipment.
Aiyedatiwa, however, added that beyond facilitating cargo movement, the project would stimulate economic activities, attract investors, and boost hospitality services in the state once construction begins.