By Hussein Olanrewaju
Maritime expert says landmark project could transform Ogun Waterside, generate over 50,000 jobs and strengthen Nigeria’s position in global maritime trade.
Hon. Olatunde Awonuga, a maritime expert and Board Member of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, for their commitment to the proposed $7 billion Gateway Deep Sea Port and Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone.
Awonuga described the initiative as a major economic opportunity capable of transforming Ogun Waterside into an international maritime, industrial and commercial hub, while calling for adequate host-community participation and sustainable development.
His commendation follows the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the Ogun State Government and DP World MEA FZE, a subsidiary of Dubai-based global port operator DP World, in Paris, France, on September 24, 2026. The agreements, witnessed by President Tinubu, envisage investments exceeding $7 billion and the potential creation of over 50,000 direct jobs, alongside substantial indirect employment opportunities.
Awonuga praised Tinubu’s federal support and Abiodun’s efforts to attract international investment, describing their collaboration as an example of purposeful leadership and strategic partnership in advancing Nigeria’s economic development.
A New Economic Future for Ogun Waterside
According to Awonuga, the proposed deep-sea port, integrated with the 10,000-hectare Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone, could establish a major industrial and logistics ecosystem attracting manufacturers, shipping companies, investors and export-oriented businesses.
Drawing comparisons with Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port and Free Zone and the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, he noted that integrated maritime infrastructure, industrial development and modern logistics could position Ogun Waterside as a globally competitive commercial destination.
He expressed confidence that the area could achieve similar economic significance through sustained investment, adequate infrastructure and effective long-term planning.
Employment, Infrastructure and Community Development
Highlighting the project’s potential benefits, Awonuga identified employment generation, local enterprise development and improved infrastructure as key opportunities for Ogun Waterside communities.
He said the project could create jobs in construction, engineering, port operations, logistics, security, administration and hospitality, while supporting indigenous contractors, artisans, fishermen, farmers, traders and small businesses.
He also anticipated improvements in roads, electricity, water supply, healthcare, education and telecommunications, alongside increased property development, tourism, hospitality activities and household incomes.
Awonuga particularly advocated vocational and maritime training programmes to equip local youths with skills in port management, engineering, logistics and ICT.
He further emphasised opportunities in fisheries and the blue economy, including modern fishing facilities, aquaculture, fish processing and cold-chain storage.
Economic Benefits for Ogun State and Nigeria
Awonuga noted that the project could strengthen Ogun State’s investment profile, expand its revenue base, attract foreign direct investment and accelerate industrialisation and non-oil export development.
Nationally, he said the port could complement existing Lagos facilities, ease congestion at Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, improve cargo handling and logistics efficiency, and strengthen Nigeria’s participation in international trade and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He added that the initiative could encourage technology transfer, specialised maritime skills development, export expansion and wider economic diversification.
Host Community Inclusion and Environmental Protection
While acknowledging the government’s efforts, Awonuga urged stakeholders to establish a transparent Host Community Development Agreement that would safeguard local interests and ensure equitable access to economic opportunities.
He called for clear employment and local-content policies, fair compensation for affected landowners, environmental protection, sustainable fisheries development and the establishment of a maritime and logistics skills acquisition institution in Ogun Waterside.
He also stressed the importance of host-community representation in project consultations, monitoring and development structures, noting that inclusive participation would promote accountability, public confidence and peaceful implementation.
2027 and Beyond: Call for Policy Continuity
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Awonuga reaffirmed the goodwill and support of the people of Ogun Waterside for President Tinubu and Governor Abiodun, emphasising that major infrastructure projects require political stability, policy continuity and sustained institutional cooperation.
He expressed optimism that the Gateway Deep Sea Port would redefine Ogun Waterside’s economic future and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s maritime and industrial development.
Awonuga reiterated the readiness of Ogun Waterside for investment, partnership and transformation, while commending both leaders for advancing what he described as a historic development initiative.
Hon. Olatunde Awonuga is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Herosplus International Limited, an internationally renowned maritime expert and Board Member of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA).
