Aiyedatiwa seeks U.S. partnership on deep sea port, petrochemical hub, and investment opportunities in Ondo
By Julius Alabi
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has called on the United States of America to partner with the state by investing in key sectors of its economy.
The governor made the appeal on Tuesday during his visit to the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, where he highlighted Ondo’s vast potential and ongoing reforms designed to attract foreign investment.
Aiyedatiwa, who presented a compendium of investment opportunities in the state to U.S. officials, identified the proposed deep sea port, petrochemical hub, and refinery within the state’s free trade zone as strategic projects that U.S. investors could key into. He also listed agriculture, agribusiness, and mineral resources as viable sectors awaiting foreign participation.
According to him, the proposed deep sea port, when completed, would serve as a major relief to the congested Apapa and Tin Can ports in Lagos, adding that Ondo State’s long coastline positions it as a competitive hub for international maritime trade.
“In the last six months, we have signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with more than five major local and foreign investors. Of interest to our partners is the deep sea port, the petrochemical and refinery plants, and our unique location with proximity to Lagos through the coastal highway. Given our strategic position, Ondo State will host a port of national and international significance,” Aiyedatiwa told journalists after the meeting.
Responding, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, commended the steps taken by the Ondo State Government to improve the ease of doing business and strengthen security. He disclosed that Ondo has now been listed among states recommended to U.S. investors exploring opportunities in Nigeria.
“They assured us that Ondo State is now on the list of sub-nationals in Nigeria that can be recommended to potential investors. They were impressed with our mineral resources, business opportunities, and our leadership as the nation’s top cocoa producer,” the governor said.
Aiyedatiwa also noted that the U.S. officials were impressed with the state’s security architecture, particularly the recognition of Amotekun by the United Nations, which now designates July 7 as World Amotekun Day.
Describing the meeting as timely and fruitful, the governor therfore expressed optimism that the engagement has laid a strong foundation for deeper U.S.–Ondo State relations in trade and investment.
