Deep Sea Port, OgunLNG Attract Fresh Investors to Ogun, Says Abiodun

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has disclosed that the proposed $7 billion Gateway Deep Sea Port and the $10 billion Ogun Liquefied Natural Gas (OgunLNG) project are attracting fresh investor interest to the state, positioning it for greater industrial expansion and economic growth.

The governor said the two strategic projects, alongside the proposed Ogun Blue Marine and Special Economic Zone and the Federal Government’s Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, were creating new economic opportunities and increasing the interest of local and international investors in Ogun State.

Abiodun made this disclosure on Tuesday in Ijebu-Ode during the town hall meeting on the 2027–2029 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the 2027 Budget, organised by the state Ministry of Budget and Planning.

Describing the Gateway Deep Sea Port as one of the defining legacy projects of his administration, the governor said agreements recently signed in Paris with DP World would attract approximately $7 billion in private-sector investment into the state.

He explained that the agreements covered the development of the Deep Sea Port and the Ogun Blue Marine and Special Economic Zone, projects expected to transform the state’s maritime, logistics, manufacturing and industrial sectors.

“In September, I had the privilege of travelling to Paris to sign a landmark agreement that will be the biggest legacy of my administration, and that agreement is for the construction of the Ogun Deep Sea Port.

“That day, we signed two agreements: one for the Deep Sea Port and the other for the Ogun Blue Marine and Special Processing Zone. These combined agreements translate to an investment of about $7 billion of private capital, with no government investment,” Abiodun said.

The governor added that the proposed $10 billion OgunLNG project, being developed with the involvement of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), would further strengthen the state’s investment prospects.

He also noted that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway would improve connectivity and open up new economic corridors, adding that the combination of these major projects had increased pressure from investors seeking opportunities to establish businesses in the state.

Abiodun attributed the growing investment interest to his administration’s sustained investments in infrastructure, human capital development and the creation of an enabling business environment since assuming office in 2019.

Reviewing the achievements of his administration, the governor disclosed that over 1,700 kilometres of roads had been constructed or rehabilitated across the state.

He also highlighted interventions in healthcare, education, agriculture, electricity and security, including the establishment of the Gateway Medical Centre of Excellence, rehabilitation of more than 1,600 public schools, recruitment of over 6,000 teachers and support for thousands of farmers.

On electricity, Abiodun disclosed that power plants had been installed in Abeokuta, while similar facilities would be established in Ijebu-Ode and Remo to improve electricity supply, stimulate commercial activities and support industrial development.

He further highlighted infrastructure projects across Ijebu Division, listing road reconstruction and rehabilitation works in Oru, Awa, Ilaporu, Ago-Iwoye, Eruwon and Atan, among other communities.

In Ijebu-Ode, the governor said his administration had constructed 26 roads as part of efforts to improve connectivity and expand economic opportunities.

Speaking on the 2027 budget, Abiodun described the town hall meeting as particularly significant, being the final budget consultation of his administration, and an opportunity for residents to contribute to the priorities and direction of the state’s 2027 fiscal plan.

He said the budget would be guided by the 2027–2029 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, with emphasis on realistic spending, completion of ongoing projects, provision of essential services and investments capable of generating sustainable economic growth.

“My responsibility is to present a realistic and transparent budget that will complete all ongoing projects and provide essential services,” he said.

The governor expressed appreciation to the people of Ogun State for their cooperation and support over the past seven years, assuring them that his administration would remain committed to delivering its promises until the end of its tenure.

He also emphasised the need for policy continuity, stressing that development should be sustained beyond individual administrations.

Abiodun urged traditional rulers, community leaders, religious organisations, professional bodies and other stakeholders to actively participate in the budget preparation process by identifying the developmental needs of their communities and making practical recommendations.

He assured participants that their submissions would be carefully considered, adding that proposals that could not be accommodated in the 2027 budget would be documented as an annexure and transmitted to the incoming administration to ensure continuity in development planning.

Earlier, the Chief Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, said the state’s development agenda remained focused on infrastructure provision, improved access to essential services and the creation of an enabling environment for economic activities and individual prosperity.

Okubadejo described governance as a shared responsibility and called on residents to partner with the government to ensure that public resources were channelled towards projects and programmes that would deliver the greatest benefits to the people.