FG revalidates license for Ondo Deep Sea Port

Ondo State has secured a revalidated federal licence for its proposed Deep Sea Port.

Governor Aiyedatiwa received the revalidated licence on Thursday in Abuja from the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Adegboyega Oyetola, following a brief ceremony at the ministry.

The port licence was initially approved in 2023 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari but was returned for revalidation after errors were discovered in the original document.

Speaking after receiving the licence, the governor thanked the Federal Government for fast-tracking the revalidation process, noting that Ondo State was now fully prepared to commence the project.

He said the Ondo Deep Sea Port would function as a major international trade hub, serving not only Ondo State but Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries.

“This kind of infrastructure cannot be limited to state use. It is a gateway to international business, industry and commerce,” the governor said.

Governor Aiyedatiwa explained that the port has a natural draught of about 18 metres, which would allow very large vessels—bigger than those currently calling at Lagos ports—to berth easily.

According to him, the depth and scale of the port would eliminate the need for trans-shipment, as ships would be able to sail directly into Ondo waters.

He stressed that the economic impact of the project would go beyond cargo handling, noting that construction and operations would attract investors, financial services providers and humanitarian organisations, leading to increased human traffic and growth in hospitality and allied sectors.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the timely take-off of the project, describing it as a strategic investment that would strengthen Nigeria’s maritime capacity and expand regional trade.