By Peter Omopo
Construction of the over $7 billion Gateway Deep Sea Port and the Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone in Ogun Waterside is expected to commence in November, Governor Dapo Abiodun has announced.
Abiodun disclosed this after the Ogun State Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with DP World MEA FZE in Paris, with President Bola Tinubu witnessing the agreement.
According to the governor, the project will proceed into the construction phase following its groundbreaking ceremony and is expected to be substantially completed within two and a half years.
He said the development would unlock Ogun State’s maritime potential, attract major investments and create employment opportunities while positioning Ogun Waterside as a major maritime hub in West Africa.
Abiodun said the project marked a shift from planning to implementation, stressing that the state government was committed to ensuring that the port moved forward within the projected timeline.
The governor also highlighted the importance of infrastructure development around the proposed port, saying the rehabilitation of the Sagamu, Ijebu Ode and Ore Road, alongside the Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway, would improve connectivity and support economic activities across Ogun East.
He further disclosed plans by his administration to develop the state’s bitumen deposits in the Ijebu East axis and explore crude oil prospects identified in parts of Ogun State.
Abiodun commended President Tinubu for supporting the Gateway Deep Sea Port project, saying the state government would continue to combine long term planning with practical implementation in its efforts to attract investment and create sustainable economic opportunities for residents.
The Gateway Deep Sea Port is expected to form part of Ogun State’s broader efforts to expand its maritime and industrial economy, with the proposed special economic zone also designed to support investment and commercial activities around the port.
