OGUN State is experiencing increased investor interest following plans to develop a $7 billion deep sea port and a $10 billion liquefied natural gas project, Governor Dapo Abiodun has said.
The governor said the proposed Gateway Deep Sea Port, OgunLNG and other major infrastructure projects could accelerate industrial development, expand economic activity and strengthen the state’s appeal to local and foreign investors.
He identified the proposed Ogun Blue Marine and Special Economic Zone and the Federal Government’s Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as additional projects expected to improve connectivity and create opportunities in manufacturing, maritime trade, logistics and energy.
Abiodun spoke on Tuesday in Ijebu-Ode at a town hall meeting on the 2027–2029 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and the 2027 budget, organised by the state’s Ministry of Budget and Planning.
He said the growing concentration of infrastructure and industrial investments was generating increased enquiries from businesses seeking to establish operations in Ogun.
The governor attributed the development to his administration’s investments in infrastructure and efforts to create a business-friendly environment since 2019.
Deep sea port to attract $7bn private investment
Abiodun said agreements signed in Paris with DP World in September would facilitate the development of the Gateway Deep Sea Port and the Ogun Blue Marine and Special Economic Zone.
The two projects are expected to attract about $7 billion in private-sector investment, without direct government funding, according to the governor.
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He described the port as a major legacy project of his administration, saying it could reshape Ogun’s maritime and industrial sectors while improving the state’s access to international markets.
The proposed port and special economic zone are expected to support logistics, manufacturing, processing and other businesses that depend on efficient transportation and access to export markets.
The governor said the projects would also create opportunities for businesses operating within and beyond Ogun State.
LNG project adds to industrial prospects
The proposed $10 billion OgunLNG project, which involves the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), is expected to further strengthen the state’s energy and investment prospects.
Abiodun said the LNG development, alongside the port and coastal highway, could create new economic corridors and improve the state’s attractiveness to investors.
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The projects could potentially support industrial expansion by improving access to energy, transportation and export infrastructure.
However, their eventual economic impact will depend on implementation, investment delivery and the extent to which businesses and communities benefit from the developments.
Government highlights infrastructure investments
The governor said his administration had constructed or rehabilitated more than 1,700 kilometres of roads since 2019, alongside investments in education, healthcare, agriculture, electricity and security.
He listed the Gateway Medical Centre of Excellence, the rehabilitation of more than 1,600 public schools, the recruitment of over 6,000 teachers and support for thousands of farmers among the government’s interventions.
On electricity, Abiodun said power plants had been installed in Abeokuta, while similar facilities were planned for Ijebu-Ode and Remo to improve supply and support commercial and industrial activities.
He also highlighted road projects in Ijebu Division, including interventions in Oru, Awa, Ilaporu, Ago-Iwoye, Eruwon and Atan.
In Ijebu-Ode, the administration had constructed 26 roads, he said, adding that improved connectivity was essential to opening communities to economic opportunities.
Abiodun seeks public input on 2027 budget
The governor said the budget consultation was an opportunity for residents to influence spending priorities before the 2027 fiscal plan is finalised.
He said the budget would be guided by the state’s medium-term expenditure framework, with emphasis on realistic spending, completing ongoing projects, providing essential services and supporting sustainable economic growth.
Abiodun urged traditional rulers, community leaders, religious organisations, professional bodies and other stakeholders to identify pressing local needs and submit practical proposals.
He said suggestions from participants would be considered during budget preparation.
Projects and requests that could not be accommodated in the 2027 budget would be documented and forwarded to the incoming administration, he added.
The governor said the arrangement was intended to preserve development priorities beyond the end of his tenure and ensure continuity in government programmes.
He also thanked residents for their support over the past seven years, pledging to continue implementing his administration’s commitments until the end of its tenure.
Earlier, the Chief Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Dapo Okubadejo, said the state’s development strategy focused on infrastructure, access to essential services and creating conditions for businesses and residents to prosper.
He urged residents to work with the government to ensure public resources were directed towards projects capable of delivering the greatest benefits to communities.
