Paris, France – The Ogun State Government has signed memoranda of understanding with DP World MEA FZE for the development of a deep sea port and a 10,000 hectare Blue Marine Special Economic Zone, with the projects expected to attract more than $7 billion in initial investment and create over 50,000 direct jobs.
The agreements were signed in Paris, France, in the presence of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola, Nigerian Ports Authority Director General Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, financial advisers and other private sector partners.
The proposed Gateway Deep Sea Port will be developed in Ogun Waterside and is planned to include a four kilometre berth with an 18 metre draft. The infrastructure is expected to accommodate larger vessels, ease congestion along the Lagos port corridor and reduce logistics costs for businesses operating in and around the region.
The port will be integrated with the proposed Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone, covering about 10,000 hectares. The zone is expected to support manufacturing, processing, maritime services and export activities while contributing to Nigeria’s efforts to expand its economy beyond oil.
The projects are also planned as part of a wider multimodal economic and logistics corridor linking major infrastructure developments in Ogun State and the surrounding region.
The proposed corridor will connect with the 28 kilometre Ogun section of the Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway, the proposed Nigerian Navy Operating Base and Dockyard, the OK LNG Project, Gateway International Airport and dry ports.
The Ogun State Government said the agreements could move a development vision that has remained largely unrealised for more than three decades closer to implementation.
“We deeply appreciate our President, Ogun State Government, GCFR, for his leadership and commitment towards bringing this vision, which had remained largely unrealised for more than three decades, closer to reality. We equally appreciate the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the NPA, DP World and all our partners.”
The state government said the proposed development goes beyond the construction of a port, describing it as an economic gateway intended to connect Ogun State and Nigeria’s productive capacity with markets across Africa and the wider global economy.
“For us, this is much more than building a port. We are creating a gateway that will connect Ogun and Nigeria’s productive capacity to Africa and the global economy, attract investments, strengthen SMEs and supply chains, expand exports and create sustainable employment.”
Under the state government’s Building Our Future Together agenda, officials said efforts would focus on turning the signed agreements into projects capable of generating jobs, attracting investment and supporting economic activity.
“Under our Building Our Future Together agenda, we remain committed to ensuring that these agreements translate into real projects, jobs, investments and prosperity for our people.”
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