Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu has called on the Federal Government to look into the establishment of thea Deep Sea Port in the state.
According to him, the proposed Port Ondo will go a long way to decongest the Apapa Port in Lagos State.
The Governor stated this while speaking at the South-West Export Enlightenment and Engagement Forum in Akure.
The theme of the event was “Maximizing Export Potentials In The South-West Region For Economic Growth”.
While explaining that goods are moved through the Sunshine State to the Southeast, Southsouth, Northwest and Northcentral, Akeredolu noted that Ondo State is strategically positioned.
Akeredolu stressed that investors have already shown interest in developing the Port, saying the state has the deepest draught in West Africa.
“Everything going to southeast or South-South and the North must pass through Ondo state. All these activities will make us advise the federal government on the importance of Port Ondo.
“Apapa will be decongested. We can boast of the deepest draught in west Africa. We are ready and we have done our work and people have shown interest. It is a pity we have to go through a lot of protocols including the port declaration,” the Governor said.
Akeredolu said the Akure airport which was originally designed as a cargo airport should be given due attention so that it can serve its purpose.
“The airport in Akure is so busy now but it is not serving the purpose for which it was established. The Akure airport was established as a cargo airport.
” We have said it should have a refrigerated area where people can refrigerate their goods before exporting them,” he said.