Gateway Deep Seaport, Blue Marine Zone Expected to Create Over 50,000 Jobs
President Bola Tinubu has unveiled an investment package of more than $7 billion for the development of the Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone and the Gateway Deep Seaport.
President Tinubu spoke in Paris, France, on Thursday, during the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between the Ogun State Government and DP World for the projects.
The President said the investments would strengthen Nigeria’s maritime economy, attract foreign capital, create jobs and support economic diversification.
According to him, the projects are expected to attract an initial investment of more than $7 billion and create over 50,000 direct jobs when fully developed, alongside additional indirect employment.
The proposed Gateway Deep Seaport at Ogun Waterside will have a four-kilometre berth and an 18-metre draft. It is expected to help decongest the Lagos port corridor and ease pressure on the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.
President Tinubu said the deeper draft would allow the port to accommodate larger vessels and provide a gateway for trade within Nigeria and across the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The proposed Blue Marine Special Economic Zone will cover about 10,000 hectares and be integrated with the seaport to support manufacturing, processing, exports and logistics.
The President said the Federal Government would facilitate road, rail and power connections to the projects while improving investment security and removing bureaucratic obstacles.
He also linked the projects to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, saying the 28-kilometre Ogun section was scheduled for completion before the end of the year.
President Tinubu commended Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Ogun State Government for securing the land and structuring the investment framework, while urging the state and investors to move quickly from the agreements to implementation.