Ogun State Seeks OPS Backing to Fund Olokola Deep Seaport

InfoStride News reported that the Ogun State Government, in collaboration with the Organised Private Sector (OPS), is set to finalize plans for the construction of the Olokola Deep Seaport in the Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of the state. Governor Dapo Abiodun revealed this development during a breakfast meeting with chief executive officers of the OPS in Abeokuta, the state capital.

Governor Abiodun emphasized that the Olokola seaport’s construction would open up new avenues for companies in the state to transport their goods and equipment. This initiative adds to the ongoing projects in the state, such as the nearly completed Gateway Agro-Cargo International Airport and the planned dry port situated at Kajola on the outskirts of the state capital.

“I want to share with you the fact that while we are talking about our road, rail, and air transport, we will be signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the private sector players very soon for the construction of our seaport in Olokola. This is another giant step to ensure that we enable businesses to continue to thrive in our state,” Governor Abiodun stated.

Addressing concerns about multiple taxes, the governor assured that his administration was committed to resolving the issue. He highlighted the ongoing reforms by the Ogun State Inland Revenue Service as a crucial step towards eliminating the complexities associated with taxation in the state.

“On the harmonisation of taxes, we have put in a lot of reforms on our Inland Revenue Service. Be rest assured, be patient with me, slowly and surely, we will remove all these multiplicities of taxes,” he affirmed.

Governor Abiodun also urged businesses to approach the government for land acquisition, emphasizing that all land in the state belongs to the government. He discouraged dealing with land speculators and assured potential land buyers that the government had implemented measures to ensure proper enumeration and compensation for any land transactions.

The governor announced the imminent distribution of 5,000 Certificates of Occupancy, showcasing the state’s increased capacity to issue these documents efficiently. He revealed that newly acquired equipment could now facilitate the signing of 1,000 Certificates of Occupancy daily.

In response to the governor’s statements, George Onafowokan, the Ogun State Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, urged the government to continue providing the necessary support for businesses to thrive in the state. Onafowokan emphasized the importance of creating an enabling environment for businesses through strategic initiatives and policies.

As the Ogun State Government strengthens its collaboration with the private sector, the prospects for economic growth and development in the region seem promising. The planned Olokola Deep Seaport, along with other infrastructure projects, reflects the commitment to fostering a conducive business environment and facilitating smoother logistics for companies operating in the state. InfoStride News will continue to monitor and report on these significant developments in Ogun State.