U.S. Ambassador Endorses Ondo as Prime Destination for Investors
Admin. 27th August 2025.
The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has listed Ondo State among the sub-nationals recommended to American investors seeking viable opportunities in the country, citing its business-friendly policies, security framework, and abundant resources.
This recognition came on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, during Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s visit to the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, where he engaged officials on investment prospects in the State.
The Governor said his administration would continue to create the enabling environment to attract foreign investments, particularly in strategic projects such as the proposed deep sea port, petrochemical hub, refinery within the state’s free trade zone, as well as agriculture and agribusiness.
Aiyedatiwa emphasized that the deep sea port project, when actualized, would help decongest Apapa and Tin Can ports in Lagos, while Ondo’s coastline location offers a viable alternative for international maritime trade.
He disclosed that in the last six months, his administration had signed Memoranda of Understanding with over five major local and foreign investors, a move he said reflects Ondo’s rising profile as a hub for industrial and agricultural growth.
Ambassador Mills, while commending the Ondo State Government, praised its efforts on ease of doing business and security, noting that these steps have further increased the state’s attractiveness to foreign investors.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Governor Aiyedatiwa said: “Of interest to them is our deep sea port and the petrochemical and refinery plants coming up in the free trade zone area. They encouraged us strongly because it is something good not only for the state, but for the country. They also noted our long coastline, with proximity to Lagos through the coastal highway. Given our location, Ondo State will host a worthy port.”
He added that the Embassy was impressed with the state’s mineral resources, business opportunities, and status as Nigeria’s leading cocoa producer.
Beyond economic discussions, the Governor revealed that talks also covered security, with emphasis on the performance of the Amotekun Corps in complementing conventional security agencies.
“The issue of security is key to them when mentioning destinations to their citizens and investors. They were pleased to learn that our efforts have yielded positive results. They also found it impressive that the United Nations has recognized Amotekun with a World Amotekun Day, to be celebrated every July 7,” he said.
Describing the engagement as timely and fruitful, Governor Aiyedatiwa stressed that the discussions laid a strong foundation for deeper U.S.–Ondo State relations in trade and investment.
