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AMATO Congratulates Ondo Governor, Urges Prioritization of $1.3 Billion Deep Seaport
Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa (left) and President of AMATO, Chief Remi Ogungbemi
By DAPO OLAWUNI
The Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) has congratulated the newly elected Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on his election victory and urged him to prioritize the establishment of the $1.3 billion Deep Seaport project at Olokola, in Ilaje Local Government Area.
The Ondo State Deep Seaport project is envisioned as a critical infrastructure to handle diverse cargo types, including bulk cargo, roll-on/roll-off (RORO) vessels, and offshore oil and gas operations. Once operational, the port aims to provide a much-needed alternative to Lagos’ congested ports while offering access to inland Nigeria and neighboring countries.
Following a recent visit to the proposed site at Araromi Seaside Town, AMATO President, Chief Remi Ogungbemi, expressed confidence in Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership, stating that his tenure could drive economic growth and create job opportunities for the people of Ondo State.
He described the location as highly suitable for the port project and expressed hope that the venue would remain unchanged.
Chief Ogungbemi emphasized the importance of initiating work on the deep seaport project promptly, noting its potential to enhance the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and create employment.
“As a body of haulage operators in the maritime industry, on behalf of our members, we congratulate Governor Aiyedatiwa and implore him to prioritize the establishment of the Ondo Deep Seaport.
“With the congestion at Apapa and Tin Can Ports reaching critical levels, it is clear that Nigeria urgently needs additional deep seaports,” Ogungbemi stated.
He further urged the governor to collaborate with the newly established Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to expedite the project’s commencement, adding:
“It is our belief that the Ondo Deep Seaport will not only bring economic growth but also harness the state’s resources and provide substantial job opportunities for its citizens.”
Aiyedatiwa was declared winner of the November gubernatorial election, securing 366,781 votes to defeat his closest rival, Ajayi Agboola of the Peoples Democratic Party, who garnered 117,845 votes.
