President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting Ogun State’s $7 billion port and special economic zone project, signed during a high-profile ceremony in Paris on September 24, 2026. The agreement, between the Ogun State Government and DP World, one of the world’s leading port and logistics operators, aims to establish the Gateway Deep Sea Port and the Blue Marine Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Ogun Waterside. The deal, described as a landmark step for Nigeria’s maritime and industrial growth, was announced amid broader efforts to address port congestion and boost foreign direct investment (FDI).
The signing ceremony, held in Paris, brought together key stakeholders, including Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, DP World Group Chief Executive Officer Yuvraj Narayan, Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola, and representatives from the Nigerian Ports Authority and SkyKapital, the project’s financial advisers. President Tinubu, addressing the gathering, emphasized the federal government’s role in ensuring regulatory clarity and policy stability to attract long-term investments. 'These agreements bring together vision, expertise, capital, and execution capacity,' he stated, praising DP World’s global reputation and the contributions of local and international partners.
Governor Abiodun, leading the Ogun State delegation, highlighted the state’s proactive role in securing land, structuring the investment framework, and mitigating project risks for global investors. 'This is cooperative federalism as envisaged by our Constitution: subnational vision supported by federal facilitation,' he said, underscoring the collaboration between state and federal authorities. The project, which includes a four-kilometre port berth with an 18-metre draft, is designed to decongest the Lagos port corridor, reduce costs for traders, and position Nigeria as a key logistics hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which serves a market of 1.4 billion people.
The Blue Marine SEZ, spanning 10,000 hectares, is projected to generate over 50,000 direct jobs and significant non-oil export earnings. President Tinubu described the initiative as 'economic diversification made tangible' and 'industrialisation made visible,' calling it 'Renewed Hope in action.' He emphasized the federal government’s commitment to improving infrastructure, including the 28-kilometre Ogun section of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which is slated for completion by year-end. 'Without this corridor, the coastline would remain rich in potential but without access,' he noted, stressing the project’s role in connecting the zone to Lagos, the Nigerian hinterland, and continental markets.
The president also highlighted the strategic alignment of the port and SEZ with Nigeria’s energy and gas-export ambitions, including proximity to the proposed Nigerian Navy Operating Base and Dockyard and the OK LNG Project. 'A port integrated with a special economic zone helps to build an economy,' he said, adding that such infrastructure would 'remove unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles' and 'facilitate investments that create value for Nigerians.' The federal government, he reiterated, would work with subnational governments to ensure seamless implementation while adhering to national laws and regulatory requirements.
DP World’s involvement in the project underscores its global expertise in port management and logistics. Yuvraj Narayan, the company’s CEO, praised the partnership, stating that the initiative would 'transform Nigeria’s maritime trade capabilities' and 'catalyze industrial growth.' SkyKapital’s role as financial advisers was also acknowledged, with President Tinubu commending the firm for its 'commitment to bringing us to this important stage.' The project’s initial investment of over $7 billion, he added, reflects 'serious and responsible government' and 'world-class standards' in infrastructure development.
The Ogun Waterside port is expected to accommodate larger, deeper-draft vessels, enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in global commerce. It will also serve as a gateway for the AfCFTA, enabling the efficient movement of goods across the continent. President Tinubu emphasized that the project addresses long-standing challenges, including port congestion, inadequate draft capacity, and logistics bottlenecks that have increased the cost of doing business. 'This is how modern infrastructure should be delivered: as an integrated ecosystem,' he said, calling it 'nation-building in its most practical form.'
Public-interest implications of the project include job creation, economic diversification, and improved trade efficiency. The SEZ is projected to attract global manufacturing and industrial companies, transforming imported inputs into finished goods and processing Nigerian raw materials for export. 'Our young men and women will find dignified, productive, and sustainable employment,' Tinubu stated, framing the initiative as a response to youth unemployment and economic stagnation. The federal government’s focus on maritime infrastructure, he argued, aligns with its broader strategy to reduce reliance on oil revenues and foster a resilient, diversified economy.
The signing ceremony also featured the participation of Nigeria’s Ambassador to France, Ayodele Oke, and the Nigerian Ports Authority’s Managing Director, Abubakar Dantsoho. Their presence underscored the multi-stakeholder approach to the project, which includes collaboration between state and federal agencies, private sector partners, and international investors. President Tinubu reiterated his call for Ogun State and investors to 'sustain the momentum generated by the signing and proceed expeditiously with implementation,' warning against delays that could undermine the project’s potential.
Ogun State’s leadership has been pivotal in advancing the project, with Governor Abiodun’s delegation including senior officials from the state’s finance, works, and industry ministries. The host community’s representative also attended, signaling efforts to ensure local engagement and benefit-sharing. The project’s success, Tinubu noted, depends on 'cooperative federalism' and the 'removal of unnecessary bottlenecks,' which he described as critical to Nigeria’s economic transformation.
The federal government’s support for the Ogun port and SEZ reflects its broader agenda to modernize Nigeria’s infrastructure and attract FDI. This aligns with Tinubu’s administration’s focus on industrialization, as seen in initiatives like the Dangote Refinery and the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway. The project’s emphasis on logistics and manufacturing also addresses structural challenges in Nigeria’s economy, including inadequate port capacity and limited industrial output. 'This is economic diversification made tangible,' Tinubu reiterated, framing the deal as a cornerstone of his administration’s vision for sustainable growth.
As the project moves toward implementation, stakeholders will need to navigate regulatory, financial, and logistical challenges. The federal government’s role in facilitating road, rail, and power connectivity remains crucial, as does the coordination between state and federal agencies. The success of the Ogun Waterside port and SEZ could serve as a model for similar initiatives across Nigeria, demonstrating the potential of public-private partnerships to drive economic development and job creation.
The agreement in Paris marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to reposition itself as a regional trade and logistics hub. By addressing port congestion, creating employment, and fostering industrial growth, the project aligns with the AfCFTA’s objectives and Nigeria’s national development goals. President Tinubu’s pledge of federal support underscores the administration’s commitment to infrastructure-driven economic transformation, even as challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles and funding remain to be addressed.
The Ogun port and SEZ project highlights the complexities of large-scale infrastructure development in Nigeria, where political will, regulatory frameworks, and stakeholder collaboration are critical to success. As the federal government and Ogun State move forward, the focus will shift to implementation, ensuring that the project delivers on its promises of economic diversification, job creation, and improved trade efficiency. For now, the Paris signing represents a step toward realizing Nigeria’s potential as a key player in Africa’s growing maritime and industrial landscape.
The federal government’s emphasis on the Ogun project reflects its broader strategy to leverage infrastructure investments for economic growth. By prioritizing ports, highways, and special economic zones, Tinubu’s administration aims to address systemic challenges while creating opportunities for local and international investors. The success of the Ogun initiative will depend on sustained political commitment, effective governance, and the ability to translate ambitious plans into tangible outcomes. For now, the project stands as a testament to the potential of collaborative efforts to drive Nigeria’s economic transformation.
The signing of the Ogun port agreement in Paris underscores the importance of international partnerships in Nigeria’s development agenda. DP World’s involvement brings global expertise and capital, while the federal and state governments provide the regulatory and logistical framework. This synergy, Tinubu argued, is essential for Nigeria to compete in the global economy. As the project progresses, its impact on Nigeria’s trade, employment, and industrial capacity will be closely monitored, with the hope that it will serve as a catalyst for broader economic reforms and growth.
The Ogun Waterside port and SEZ project represents a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s economic history, combining strategic infrastructure development with the potential for significant job creation and industrial growth. As the federal government and Ogun State work to implement the agreement, the focus will remain on overcoming challenges and ensuring that the project delivers on its promises. For now, the Paris signing marks a critical step toward realizing Nigeria’s vision of a diversified, resilient, and globally competitive economy.
The federal government’s commitment to the Ogun port and SEZ project highlights its dedication to addressing long-standing infrastructure deficits and fostering economic growth. By prioritizing maritime trade and industrial development, Tinubu’s administration aims to create a more dynamic and inclusive economy. The success of this initiative will depend on sustained collaboration between all stakeholders, ensuring that the project’s benefits are realized and that Nigeria continues to position itself as a key player in Africa’s economic landscape.