The Ogun State Government and global ports and logistics operator, DP World, have signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for the development of the Gateway Deep Seaport and the Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone.
The agreements were signed in Paris, France, on Thursday, September 24, 2026, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu witnessing the ceremony. Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, led the state government delegation.
The proposed Gateway Deep Seaport, located in Ogun Waterside, is planned to feature a four-kilometre berth and an 18-metre draft, allowing it to accommodate larger vessels and expand Nigeria’s maritime handling capacity.
According to the Presidency, the port is expected to help decongest the Lagos port corridor, particularly the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, while reducing delays and logistics costs for importers, exporters and consumers.
The accompanying Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone is planned to cover about 10,000 hectares and support manufacturing, processing, logistics and export-oriented activities.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, President Tinubu assured domestic and foreign investors that the Federal Government would continue to provide regulatory clarity, policy stability and a predictable business environment for long-term investments.
He said the government would provide the necessary regulatory and institutional support to move the projects from agreements to implementation while ensuring that all parties remain accountable for their commitments.
The President said the projects form part of efforts to attract foreign direct investment, expand productive capacity and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a hub for maritime trade, logistics, manufacturing and exports.
The projects are expected to attract an initial investment of more than $7 billion and, when fully developed, are projected to create more than 50,000 direct jobs, alongside additional indirect employment opportunities.
Tinubu also pledged Federal Government support for road, rail and power connectivity, as well as improved investment security, maritime security and the removal of unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles.
He identified the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as an important component of the proposed corridor, noting that the Ogun section is expected to improve connectivity between the port, the industrial zone, Lagos and markets across Nigeria and Africa.
The President further said the deep seaport would be critical to the viability of the Blue Marine Special Economic Zone, as the combination of port infrastructure and industrial activity could support the movement of goods, processing of Nigerian raw materials and expansion of non-oil exports.
The Ogun State Government described the agreements as a major step towards strengthening the state’s industrialisation drive and attracting large-scale investments in maritime infrastructure, manufacturing and logistics.
The Federal Government is expected to continue working with the Ogun State Government, DP World and other stakeholders to secure the necessary approvals and infrastructure required for the implementation of the projects.
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