By Tola Gbadamosi,
Victor Akinkuolie & Kayode Afolabi
The much-anticipated Ondo Deep Seaport project promises to be a game-changer for Ondo State, particularly for Ondo South and its surrounding communities.
Stakeholders, including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), security experts, traditional rulers, local business leaders and residents, expressed optimism in separate interviews with The Hope.
They called on the government and contractors to work closely with the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army to safeguard personnel, equipment and the construction site.
They also recommended that Ondo develop a computerised, technologically advanced facility that meets global standards.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu is expected to visit Ondo State in February next year for the official groundbreaking ceremony of the Ondo Deep Seaport, which is projected to “transform the state’s economic landscape.”
Mr. Sani Isa Abubakar, Director of Tin Can Island Port, Lagos, described the project as a “game-changing opportunity” that could significantly enhance the state’s economic prospects and improve the livelihoods of its residents.
He said the port would serve as a key gateway for international vessels, positioning Ondo as a major player in global maritime trade.
“Establishing a deep seaport in Ondo will attract massive business investments, boost internally generated revenue, and create numerous job opportunities,” Abubakar said.
He urged the Ondo State Government to pursue public-private partnerships to secure sustainable funding and leverage private sector efficiency in managing the port.
“It is advisable for the government to partner with private investors who can bring in resources to make the facility functional,” he added.
Abubakar further emphasised the critical role of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in providing technical expertise, noting that the project aligns with Nigeria’s broader maritime ambitions.
Currently, Lagos hosts the country’s only operational deep seaport. But, once Ondo’s facility becomes operational, it will serve as another major gateway for international vessels, enhancing cargo transportation efficiency and expanding Nigeria’s presence in global shipping.
“The port will enable vessels from international waters to berth directly in Ondo, enhancing cargo transport efficiency and expanding Nigeria’s reach in global shipping,” Abubakar explained.
He underscored the importance of maintaining safe waterways through close coordination with the NPA and other maritime agencies to attract international shipping lines.
On the importance of community participation, Prince Adeniyi Adegboye, the Olu-elect of Ilowo Community in the Ugbo area, urged the government to hold regular stakeholder meetings with host communities and traditional rulers.
“The success of the seaport depends on continuous dialogue, transparency, and the involvement of those directly impacted,” he said.
He stressed that traditional rulers should be actively involved in guiding the project to ensure that cultural values and community interests are respected throughout its planning and implementation phases.
Prince Adegboye noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has reiterated its commitment to transforming Ondo State into a thriving economic hub.
“Ondo State is open for business,” he quoted the President as saying, “and we are ready to work with stakeholders to transform our natural assets into thriving economic hubs that will create jobs, boost revenue, and enhance the quality of life for our people.”
Complementing the economic outlook, Mr Enikesanye Olatokunbo Frank, a retired Assistant Comptroller General of Immigration and an indigene of the region, emphasised the need for robust collaboration among security agencies to ensure safety during and after the seaport’s construction.
Citing the area’s history of inter-tribal conflicts, Frank stressed that maintaining peace and stability is paramount. He called on the state government and contractors to work closely with the Police and Army to protect personnel, equipment, and construction materials.
Local business leader Mr. Johnson Ehinmosan expressed optimism that the project would unlock significant economic opportunities and transform the region’s development landscape.
According to him, the seaport is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs across multiple sectors, including logistics, manufacturing, transportation and services.
“This project, once operational, will be a major source of employment for our youths and people across the region,” he said.
Beyond job creation, Ehinmosan highlighted the potential for massive investment inflows, with projections indicating over ₦500 billion in investments that would invigorate local businesses and economic activities.
“The seaport will also aid economic diversification, promoting trade and commerce while reducing our reliance on oil revenues,” he added.
He further noted that the project would boost the state’s internally generated revenue through taxes and fees, enabling Ondo to fund other developmental initiatives. Moreover, the deep seaport would catalyse infrastructural growth, including new roads, bridges and utilities, thereby improving living conditions for host communities.
“Successful execution hinges on the inclusion and support of the people who live here,” he said.
Ehinmosan also urged the government to finalise comprehensive project planning, including feasibility studies and engineering designs, to avoid costly delays.
The enthusiasm for the project is shared by local youths, who see it as an opportunity to reduce unemployment and improve their prospects.
Youth leader, Comrade Michael Akinboyo, noted,“This seaport will open up job opportunities for many young people from our host communities, helping to curb unemployment and associated social issues.”
Mama Success, a resident of Ore, said the seaport project holds significant promise for job creation, economic growth, and investment attraction.
“We’ll see an improvement in our local economy, and I’m confident that this project will attract investors to our state,” she said.
She added that the seaport would create numerous job opportunities for local residents and stimulate the economy by attracting new businesses and investments.
While optimistic, she also urged the government to maintain transparency, especially regarding the environmental impact assessment of the project.
She stressed that sustainable development should prioritise the well-being of residents and preserve the natural environment.
Addressing concerns about potential security challenges, retired police officer and security expert, Mr. Adepoju Iwamisan, urged the government to proactively invest in community development programmes.
“Improving the quality of life for host communities reduces the risk of conflicts and criminal tendencies around such a high-profile project,” he said.
Mr. Iwamisan also recommended the deployment of adequate security personnel to monitor the project site and its environs, prevent vandalism, and ensure the safety of investments. He added that continuous stakeholder engagement involving security agencies, community leaders, and traditional rulers is vital for managing concerns and fostering trust.