Amanze Chinonye
Ogun State will begin construction of its proposed $7 billion Gateway Deep Seaport and Blue Marine Special Economic Zone in November, moving the long-planned maritime project into its implementation phase, Governor Dapo Abiodun said.
Construction is expected to start immediately after the groundbreaking ceremony, with the port targeted for substantial completion within two and a half years, according to the governor.
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The project, located in Ogun Waterside, is expected to expand the state’s access to maritime trade, attract investment and support industrial development and job creation. It is also intended to establish a logistics corridor connecting Ogun’s industrial base to international markets.
The announcement follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding with DP World MEA FZE in Paris, witnessed by President Bola Tinubu. The governor did not disclose details of the project’s financing structure or the financial commitments of the parties involved.
Abiodun said the proposed seaport had been discussed and captured in official documents for almost three decades but had remained unrealised. He said the project, together with the Blue Marine Special Economic Zone, would help unlock the economic potential of Ogun’s coastline.
The governor also cited the rehabilitation of the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode-Ore road and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as infrastructure developments that could improve connectivity to Ogun East and support movement of goods and economic activity around the proposed port.
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Beyond the maritime project, Abiodun said the state would continue to pursue opportunities linked to its bitumen deposits in the Ijebu East axis and crude oil prospects identified in parts of Ogun.
The Gateway Deep Seaport forms part of Ogun’s broader plans to develop its coastal economy and strengthen its industrial base. Its financing arrangements, construction timetable and delivery of supporting infrastructure will be key to the project’s progression from groundbreaking to operations.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
