Ogun Community Backs Tinubu, Abiodun Over Gateway Deep Sea Port
Residents of Ode Omi, a riverine community in Ogun State, have commended President Bola Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun for their efforts towards the development of the Gateway Deep Sea Port in Ogun Waterside.
The community described the project as a major infrastructure initiative capable of transforming the socio-economic fortunes of the area, while strengthening trade, logistics and economic activities across Ogun State and the South-West.
A community leader, Prince Adedayo Aderemi Ajose, who made the commendation in a statement, said the deep seaport would significantly alter the economic landscape of the region by providing an alternative maritime gateway and helping to decongest existing ports in Lagos.
According to him, the project would create new economic opportunities for residents and businesses, particularly through employment, improved infrastructure and increased commercial activities.
Ajose, however, urged the Federal and Ogun State governments, as well as the project developers, to ensure that host communities are adequately integrated into the development process and benefit directly from the opportunities the project would generate.
He specifically appealed for priority to be given to residents in the provision of employment and other economic opportunities during the construction and eventual operation of the port.
The community leader also called for adequate compensation for residents whose properties may be affected by the project, stressing that the process should be transparent, fair and reflective of the value of properties and livelihoods that could be impacted.
The appeal followed the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between the Ogun State Government and DP World MEA FZE for the development of the Gateway Deep Sea Port and the Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone.
The agreements were signed in Paris, France, in the presence of President Tinubu and are expected to attract more than $7 billion in initial investment and generate over 50,000 direct jobs.
The investment framework involves the Federal Government, Ogun State Government, DP World, financial advisers and other private-sector partners, with the objective of reducing trade bottlenecks, improving logistics and expanding Nigeria’s manufacturing and export capacity.
The Gateway Deep Sea Port is planned to have a four-kilometre berth and an 18-metre draft, allowing it to accommodate larger vessels while providing an alternative to the Lagos port corridor.
The project is also expected to reduce congestion, lower logistics costs and improve the efficiency of cargo movement for importers and exporters.
President Tinubu, who witnessed the MoU signing alongside the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Director-General of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, commended Governor Abiodun for securing the land and establishing an investment framework aimed at reducing risks for investors.
Earlier, Abiodun had credited the President with providing the political leadership required to revive the long-standing plan for a deep seaport along the Ogun coastline.
The governor noted that the vision had remained largely unrealised for more than three decades before renewed efforts were made to advance the project.
