..target deep sea port, petrochemical hub, agribusiness, others
The governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the officials of the United States Embassy on Tuesday discussed areas of investment in the state’s economy and the development of strategic economic projects.
Speaking during his visit to the United States Embassy in Abuja, Governor Aiyedatiwa explained that the state government had provided the enabling environment to attract foreign investments to boost the state’s economy.
He expressed the state’s readiness to welcome investors from the United States for the development of strategic economic projects in the state, including the proposed deep sea port, petrochemical hub, and refinery located within the state’s free trade zone, as well as agriculture and agribusiness.
The governor said the deep sea port project, when actualized, would ease the congestion at the Apapa and Tin Can ports in Lagos, noting that Ondo State’s location on the coastline makes it a viable alternative for international maritime trade.
The Governor, who presented to the U.S. officials the investment opportunities in the State, added that his administration has signed Memorandum of Understanding with more than five major local and foreign investors in the last six months.
He described the engagement as timely and fruitful, stressing that the discussions laid a strong foundation for stronger U.S.–Ondo State relations in trade and investment.
In his remarks, the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, commended the steps so far taken by the government to make the state investors-friendly, especially in the areas of ease of doing business and improved security.
Ambassador Mills disclosed that Ondo has been listed as one of the states recommended to U.S. investors who may want to do business in Nigeria.
