Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has announced that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has granted approval for the renewal of the state’s deep seaport licence, describing the development as a major boost for industrial growth and investor confidence.
The governor made the disclosure on Wednesday while speaking to All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders during the party’s final expanded quarterly stakeholders’ meeting for 2025, held at the International Culture and Event Centre (The Dome) in Akure.
Aiyedatiwa explained that the licence was first obtained during his time as deputy governor but stalled due to an error in the naming of the proposed investor in the original documentation.
“There was a problem with the investor’s name in the initial submission, which prevented the licence from being properly recognised as belonging to Deep Sea Port Limited,” he said.
“As a result, we had to restart the process and submit an entirely new and comprehensive business case.”
He revealed that the proposed deep seaport will be situated in Erunona, within Ilaje Local Government Area, an area with Ondo State’s longest coastline and strategic access to international trade routes.
According to the governor, the surrounding economic corridor is expected to host fertiliser-producing chemical plants, the Sunshine Petroleum Zone, and a modular refinery with a capacity of 500,000 barrels, all of which are at varying stages of development.
“Significant progress has already been made,” he said.
“Memoranda of understanding have been signed, land has been allocated, preliminary groundwork completed, and construction has commenced on the modular refinery.”
Aiyedatiwa stressed that infrastructure expansion remains a top priority of his administration, noting that access roads to industrial hubs are being expanded and upgraded.
He added that plans are in place for housing, schools, and hospitality facilities to cater for the expected influx of people once industrial activities fully take off.
On the social sector, the governor disclosed that 412 primary healthcare centres have either been completed or are close to completion across the state.
He also noted that ambulances have been distributed to all local government areas and that efforts are ongoing to improve the welfare of medical personnel.
He further highlighted security improvements, stating that 512 security operatives have been deployed statewide, backed by command-and-control infrastructure. Traditional rulers, he said, have also received improved remuneration and mobility support to strengthen community-level governance.
Addressing party matters, Aiyedatiwa appealed for unity within the APC, warning against internal divisions driven by personal ambition. Reflecting on the party’s governorship primary, he noted that most aspirants rallied behind him immediately, while others later joined, describing the outcome as a model for party cohesion.
He also urged party members to remain united ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Connecting Ondo State’s development strides to national economic reforms, the governor said improved fiscal management has enabled the state to fund key infrastructure, enhance security, drive industrial projects, and lower its debt profile.
