Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun confirmed that construction on the $7 billion Gateway Deep Sea Port and Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone will commence in November, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DP World MEA FZE in Paris, France. The agreement, witnessed by President Bola Tinubu, marks a pivotal step in realizing a project that has languished for over three decades. Abiodun emphasized that the groundbreaking ceremony will occur in November, with construction beginning immediately and the port expected to be 100% completed within 30 months. 'Governance is about vision and implementation,' he stated, underscoring the project’s role in unlocking Ogun’s maritime potential and positioning the state as a key African maritime destination.
The governor highlighted the strategic significance of the port, which will serve as a gateway for global shipping routes, particularly for vessels traveling to West Africa. Abiodun credited President Tinubu’s support, noting the president’s personal involvement in securing federal backing for the initiative. He also outlined complementary infrastructure projects, including the rehabilitation of the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode-Ore Road and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, to enhance connectivity. Additionally, Abiodun pointed to Ogun’s natural resources, such as the 'Bitumen Belt' stretching from Ijebu East to Ondo State—the largest bitumen deposit in Sub-Saharan Africa—as critical to the state’s economic diversification strategy.
The project, developed in collaboration with DP World, one of the world’s leading port operators, is projected to attract significant investment and create jobs. Abiodun reiterated his administration’s commitment to leveraging Ogun’s resources, including crude oil deposits in areas like Odogbolu, to drive sustainable growth. The governor’s vision aligns with broader efforts to improve Nigeria’s infrastructure, though challenges such as power supply shortages remain a concern. 'Ogun State will become the marine capital of Africa,' he declared, envisioning the port as a catalyst for regional trade and economic integration.
The announcement comes amid heightened political activity in Ogun, including the All Progressives Congress’s (APC) grassroots mobilization efforts ahead of upcoming elections. Abiodun’s focus on large-scale infrastructure projects reflects a broader strategy to position Ogun as a model for economic development in Nigeria. With the port’s completion expected by mid-2027, the state’s leadership aims to solidify its reputation as a hub for maritime and industrial activity, while addressing long-standing developmental gaps through public-private partnerships and resource exploitation.