The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has declared the state open to global investors, promising industrial growth through partnerships with the private sector.
He made the announcement at the Ondo State Investment Summit 2026, held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome) in Akure, the Ondo state capital.
During the summit, the government signed two major agreements, including a Deep Sea Port project where the state will hold a 12.5 per cent stake, while partner companies control 87.5 per cent. Another deal with Resident Fertiliser will establish a $4 billion petrochemical fertiliser plant in the state’s southern senatorial district.
The Governor said the initiative signals a shift from consumption to production driven by industry and innovation.
“Investors do not go where there is potential alone. They go where there is structure, certainty, and political will and Ondo State offers all three,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa highlighted the state’s advantages, including its Atlantic coastline, rich agricultural output and solid mineral deposits, noting that the proposed Deep Sea Port and Sunshine Industrial City will support trade, manufacturing and exports.
In a goodwill message, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Jimoh Ibrahim, congratulated the governor on his first anniversary in office and urged the state to position itself strategically in the global economy.
Chairman of Coscharis Group, Cosmas Maduka, emphasised the importance of local investment in driving economic growth.
At a panel session, the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs, Tope Fasua, outlined federal reforms, including changes to the naira, fuel subsidy removal and tax policies aimed at improving the investment climate.
Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, urged Nigerians abroad to support development at home.
“Investing in your homeland is not just a patriotic act; it is an economic imperative,” Dabiri-Erewa said.
“We must work together to ensure that the resources and skills of Nigerians abroad are harnessed to create jobs, build industries, and strengthen our economy,” she said.
Stakeholders at the summit agreed that the state’s long-term prosperity depends on attracting investment, building industries and creating jobs through sustained economic partnerships.