Ondo governor explains delay in deep seaport project after two years

Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has attributed an error on the name of the operating licence granted by the federal government for the Ondo Deep Sea Port as the reason for the delay in executing the huge project.

Recall that in 2023, former President Muhammadu Buhari gave approval for the operating licence of the port, which is located in the Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.

Daily Trust reports that the site of the proposed port in Ondo, which also has an industrial city with free trade zone status, measures 2,771.2 hectares.

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Speaking at a press briefing held at the weekend to herald his inauguration into office, Aiyedatiwa explained that the error committed on the name has necessitated a restart of the whole process.

According to the governor, the state government is making progress by stepping up to correct the name on the operating license in order to avoid unnecessary friction with the project.

He hinted that the government was already talking with potential foreign investors who have shown interest in partnering with the state in actualising the project, considering its benefit to bolster the state’s revenue.

“There was an error made when the Ondo State Deep Sea port licence was issued. Ordinarily, it is supposed to be Ondo Port Development Limited, the owner of the licence with some investors linked to it, but when the licence was issued. Erroneously, it was written in one potential partner’s name, which was supposed not to be.

“The name on that licence was one of the partner’s name, not the name of Ondo State and because of that we have to make some moves to get that error corrected and you know it is like starting a new process entirely because of all the processes that are involved. The analysis has changed over time, and we have to go through everything all over again.

“Right now, we are at the act of getting that name corrected and giving openings for other investors to partner with us. I can tell you that Ondo State Deepsea Port Limited has come to stay. It is a port that will not only benefit Ondo State but all Nigerians,” Mr Aiyedatiwa said.

The governor also pledged to develop the Araromi Sea-Side in Ilaje LGA, which boasts a 70km-long coastline stretching from Ogun to Delta State, as part of the move to connect Ondo to the outside world for business and economic opportunities.

He stressed that his administration would harness the potential abound in the area and open the coaster zone for tourism to help the state generate huge revenue through tourism.

Aiyedatiwa added that the La Campagne Tropicana was already in talks with Araromi Beach for potential investments, noting that the provision of boats would ease access to the area, creating job opportunities and stimulating economic activities.

“The strategic location of this area, just 45 minutes from Lagos, will become even more accessible with the ongoing development of the coastal highway. This project will enhance connectivity and boost tourism.

“The road leading to the beach is being developed by the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), further demonstrating our government’s commitment to unlocking the state’s tourism potential,” he said.