Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has said the proposed Ondo Deep Sea Port will function as a major hub for international trade, with benefits extending beyond Ondo State to Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries.

The governor made this known after receiving the revalidated licence for the Ondo Deep Sea Port project from the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Adegboyega Oyetola.

Aiyedatiwa said the Ondo State Government is fully prepared to commence the project, describing the deep sea port as critical infrastructure that goes beyond state-level usage and positions Ondo as a strategic gateway for international business and maritime operations.

He noted that the port is designed to support industrial activities, commerce and the wider economy, with facilities capable of accommodating businesses from across Nigeria and the West African sub-region.

According to the governor, the deep sea port has a natural draught of approximately 18 metres, which would enable very large vessels, larger than those currently operating in Lagos ports, to berth with ease.

He explained that the depth and size of the port would eliminate the need for trans-shipment, as vessels would be able to sail directly into Ondo State waters without diversion.

Aiyedatiwa said the project would deliver extensive economic benefits beyond cargo handling, stressing that once construction begins, the state would experience a significant increase in human and commercial activities.

He added that the anticipated influx of investors, financial institutions and humanitarian service providers would further stimulate growth in the hospitality sector and other related industries within the state.

The governor expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for fast-tracking the revalidation of the port’s licence, describing the development as a major step towards the realisation of the long-awaited Ondo Deep Sea Port project.