Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
In a major policy move aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and unlocking economic opportunities along the Atlantic coastline, the Federal Government has formally revalidated the licence for the Ondo Deep Sea Port project, marking a critical milestone for the state and national economy.
The revalidation and formal presentation of the operating certificate took place in Abuja, where the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, handed the revalidated deep sea port licence to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State. The ceremony underscored federal support for maritime development and reinforced the centrality of port infrastructure in Nigeria’s broader economic diversification strategy.
According to official accounts, the licence revalidation follows prior setbacks in the project’s approval process, which were linked to a naming error in the original documentation submitted for certification. The Federal Executive Council’s approval of the revalidation resolves that issue and empowers project developers and investors to advance with confidence.
Government officials and stakeholders have framed the revalidation as a strategic intervention to unlock Ondo State’s maritime and blue economy potential, positioning the envisaged deep sea port as a driver for regional trade, industrialisation and job creation. Dr. Oyetola noted that the facility will serve not only Ondo State but the nation at large by enhancing competitive export capacity and reducing pressure on Nigeria’s existing port infrastructure.
The Ondo Deep Sea Port’s location along the Atlantic corridor is expected to boost non-oil exports, improve logistics efficiency, and attract foreign direct investment. The revalidated licence, government sources said, offers greater certainty for investors and stakeholders seeking to fund infrastructure, maritime logistics and ancillary industrial projects linked to the port’s development.
Governor Aiyedatiwa welcomed the development as the culmination of sustained efforts to align state and federal priorities on maritime growth. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council for supporting the revalidation and reiterated the state government’s commitment to preparing requisite supporting infrastructure. This includes plans to improve access roads to industrial zones, develop residential and commercial facilities, and modernise adjacent economic corridors.
The governor described the revalidated certificate as a “turning point” for industrial growth, job creation and sustainable development anchored on Ondo State’s long coastline and maritime assets, emphasizing the wider socio-economic impact beyond the port itself.
Economic analysts say the project aligns with federal and state efforts to diversify Nigeria’s economy—reducing reliance on oil revenue and boosting other sectors through infrastructure investment. By expanding port capacity outside the congested Lagos ports, the deep sea port is expected to enhance trade throughput, shorten supply chains and encourage regional integration with West African markets.
The revalidation also reflects broader national policy shifts encouraging public-private partnerships (PPP) in major infrastructure projects. Recent approvals of significant PPP frameworks for the Bakassi Deep Seaport and the Ondo Deep Seaport, backed by substantial private capital commitments, signal growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector. These initiatives aim to transform port operations, deepen logistics networks and expand industrial value chains across regions.
Local stakeholders, including socio-political organisations such as Afenifere, have publicly commended the state government’s success in securing the revalidated licence, noting its potential to stimulate economic activities and improve livelihoods throughout the South-West and beyond.
Despite optimism, analysts stress that effective infrastructure planning and execution will be essential to translating the licence revalidation into measurable economic benefits. Ensuring adequate road and rail connectivity, environmental safeguards, industrial zone development, and workforce preparation are seen as critical next steps to realise the port’s full potential.
The revalidated licence thus represents both a symbolic and practical advance in Nigeria’s maritime ambitions. It affirms a shared vision among federal and state authorities to implement large-scale infrastructure projects that can stimulate jobs, trade and regional competitiveness, while reinforcing Nigeria’s positioning as a maritime hub on the global stage.
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