Fed Govt revalidates Ondo Deep Sea Port in blue economy push

Nigeria’s push to expand port capacity and unlock its blue economy received a major boost as the federal government formally revalidated the Ondo Deep Sea Port certificate, positioning the project as a new driver of trade, industrialisation, and non-oil exports.

The development was announced in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Bolaji Akinola.

According to the statement, the revalidated certificate was presented in Abuja by the Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola, to the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday, December 18, 2025; an event that marked a critical milestone in the state’s maritime and industrial development agenda.

Speaking during the presentation, Oyetola said the revalidation was a deliberate federal intervention to unlock Ondo State’s maritime potential and align port development with the broader economic diversification strategy of the Tinubu administration.

According to him, the Ondo Deep Sea Port is expected to ease pressure on existing ports while opening new corridors for trade and manufacturing.

“The Ondo Deep Sea Port is not just a project for Ondo State; it is a national asset that will strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in global shipping, reduce pressure on existing ports, and create a new hub for exports, manufacturing, and job creation,” the minister said.

He noted that the port’s Atlantic-facing location gives it strategic importance for boosting non-oil exports, improving logistics efficiency, and attracting foreign direct investment into the South-West and the wider Nigerian economy.

“The revalidated licence provides certainty to investors and sends a strong signal that Nigeria is ready for serious maritime investments. With the supporting infrastructure planned around the port, Ondo State is positioning itself as a major player in the blue economy,” Oyetola added.

Receiving the certificate, Aiyedatiwa thanked President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council for approving the revalidation, describing it as the outcome of years of sustained effort to revive the project.

He explained that the original licence, obtained during his tenure as deputy governor, had been stalled by a naming error in the initial business case, necessitating a fresh and comprehensive submission.

“This revalidated certificate is a turning point for Ondo State. It validates our vision for industrial growth, job creation, and sustainable development anchored on our long coastline and maritime assets,” the governor said.

Aiyedatiwa disclosed that his administration is already prioritising critical supporting infrastructure to ensure the port’s success, including the dualisation of access roads to industrial zones and other modernisation projects.

He added that plans are also underway for residential, educational, and hospitality facilities to support the expected influx of investors, workers, and service providers.

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The governor further stressed that the Ondo Deep Sea Port would have a ripple effect across the state, driving inclusive development in all local government areas and reinforcing Ondo’s role in the country’s emerging blue economy landscape.