Ondo Govt Pushes Major Coastal Investments as Deep Sea Port Licence Revalidated
Date: 22nd December,2025
Ondo State Government has stepped up efforts to attract large-scale investments to its coastal axis, with Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa announcing the revalidation of the operating licence for the Ondo Deep Sea Port alongside several state and federal mega projects in Ilaje Local Government Area.
The Governor made the disclosure on Sunday during a Thank-You Tour of Ilaje, where he outlined ongoing and proposed developments aimed at transforming the coastal council into a major economic and industrial hub.
According to Aiyedatiwa, the revalidation of the deep sea port licence represents a significant economic milestone for Ondo State, noting that Ilaje occupies a strategic position with vast untapped resources and opportunities.
He described Ilaje as a unique local government area, adding that the deep sea port was only one of several transformative projects lined up for the area under his administration.
The Governor disclosed that plans were also underway for the establishment of a fertiliser and petrochemical plant, revealing that the state government had already signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the project’s promoters.
He further announced proposals for a 500,000-barrel-per-day modular refinery, expressing optimism that the combined projects would stimulate economic growth, create jobs and enhance revenue generation for the state.
Aiyedatiwa explained that the deep sea port, petrochemical plant and modular refinery would all be located along the same axis within the Sunshine Free Trade Zone in Ilaje Kingdom.
On tourism development, the Governor said the contract for the Araromi seaside corridor project had been awarded to a construction firm, describing the initiative as part of a broader strategy to unlock the tourism potential of the coastal belt.
“All of these projects I have mentioned, aside from other projects, have been started in Ilaje Local Government,” the Governor said, adding that additional projects, including the Agerige–Zion Pepe road, would be awarded in the coming year.
He urged residents to visit various project sites to see the level of work being carried out, citing ongoing road construction and the concrete walkways being built in riverine communities.
The Governor also highlighted federal government projects impacting the area, particularly the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway being implemented under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said construction of the Ondo State segment of the highway, which links the state with Ogun, had already commenced.
According to him, work had started from Ebute–Pare down to Ogun State, noting that the coastal highway would connect Ondo State through Ilaje to Lagos, Nigeria’s largest commercial centre.
He added that, upon completion, travel time from Ilaje axis to Lagos would be reduced to about 35 minutes.
On education and health infrastructure, Governor Aiyedatiwa announced the approval of a College of Nursing Sciences at Kofawe.
He said construction would begin next year at the permanent site, following approval by the State Executive Council.
The Governor disclosed that land had already been acquired in Ilaje Local Government for the college, assuring residents that additional developmental initiatives would be introduced.
He commended residents and supporters for their contributions to the achievements of his administration and encouraged them to take active interest in governance.
The Governor also urged the people to raise concerns in areas they felt required attention, assuring them that the government would listen and respond appropriately.
As the festive season approaches, Aiyedatiwa extended Christmas greetings to the people of Ilaje, wishing them a peaceful and joyous celebration.
Earlier, the Ilaje Local Government APC Chairman, Hon. Raphael Adegboye, lauded the Governor, describing the pace of development across the state as commendable.
Dignitaries at the event included Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; APC chieftain, Chief Olusola Oke; members representing Ilaje Constituencies I and II in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abayomi Akinruntan and Hon. Olawunmi Fayemi-Obayelu; Director General of OSRC Media Group, Mr Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson; Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka; Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Mr Segun Omoyofunmi; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye; Local Government Chairman, Hon. Maurice Oripenaye; Special Adviser to the Governor on Legislative and Party Affairs, Hon. Kolawole Babatunde; Chairman of OSOPADEC, Prince Biyi Poroye, and other politicians.
