Governor Dapo Abiodun has announced that construction of the Ogun Deep Sea Port will commence in November 2026. The timeline follows the recent execution of a $7 billion agreement between the Ogun State Government and DP World MEA FZE.
The deal, which was finalised in Paris, France, was signed in the presence of President Bola Tinubu. The high-level involvement of the presidency indicates the federal government’s alignment with the state’s infrastructure ambitions and the project’s importance to national maritime strategy.
The project is intended to provide a modern alternative to the frequently congested ports in Lagos State. By increasing the capacity for larger vessels to dock, the port aims to streamline shipping logistics and reduce the costs associated with maritime trade in Nigeria.
The announcement regarding the commencement of the project comes as the state government moves to solidify its position as a major industrial and logistics hub in West Africa.
Economic implications of the DP World partnership
The $7 billion investment from DP World MEA FZE represents one of the largest infrastructure commitments in Ogun State’s history. Beyond the immediate construction phase, the port is expected to generate employment opportunities for local communities and drive growth in ancillary sectors such as warehousing, transport, and manufacturing.
The port is strategically located to leverage Ogun State’s proximity to the Lagos metropolitan area while offering deeper waters and more expansive land for industrial development. This positioning is intended to alleviate the perennial congestion at the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, which often hampers the speed of imports and exports in the country.
The partnership with DP World, a global leader in smart logistics and port operations, is expected to bring international best practices in port management and technology to the facility. This integration is designed to improve the ease of doing business in the state and increase Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global maritime market.
The state government has indicated that the project will be integrated into a broader regional development plan, focusing on creating seamless links between the maritime terminal, the national rail networks, and existing road infrastructure.
As the November deadline approaches, contractors and logistics firms are expected to begin mobilising equipment and personnel to the site. The state government must now ensure that all necessary environmental and regulatory approvals are finalised to prevent delays once physical works begin.
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