Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Friday, received his Bauchi State counterpart, Bala Mohammed, in Akure as both states formalised a strategic partnership aimed at boosting agriculture, industrial development, and investment.
The high-profile meeting has already yielded significant dividends, with Residents Group Cement confirming plans to invest $2.6 billion in Ondo State for the construction of a fertiliser and harmonial plant, as well as a major petrochemical facility.
The project is expected to be completed within 12 months and create thousands of jobs across the state.
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The investor, Abbas Waziri, Executive Director of Residents Group Cement, accompanied Mr Mohammed to the meeting and disclosed that the company had previously invested $1.5 billion in a cement plant in Bauchi State and was eager to replicate a similar success in Ondo.
Mr Aiyedatiwa expressed his appreciation to Mr Mohammed for facilitating the investment and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment for investors.
“I want to thank Governor Bala Mohammed for this development and for personally visiting us. I have seen the great work you are doing in Bauchi in partnering with both local and international investors, and we are doing the same here,” Mr Aiyedatiwa stated.
He further highlighted the ongoing dualisation of the Igbokoda–Okitipupa road and plans for a deep-seaport project in the state’s coastal region, which he described as a “game-changer” for Ondo’s economic future.
According to him, the seaport will be the first of its kind in Nigeria, capable of accommodating modern vessels.
“Our coastline has the deepest draft in Nigeria, and we are committed to completing the deep seaport project initiated by the last administration,” he added.
Mr Aiyedatiwa also assured the investor of maximum security, a peaceful environment, and continued infrastructure development, noting that the project area falls within a designated free trade zone.
In his remarks, Mr Mohammed commended Mr Aiyedatiwa for taking bold steps to reposition Ondo as a viable investment hub and for seeking revenue alternatives beyond the federation account.
He said both states, through a peer review mechanism, are committed to leveraging their resources to benefit their people.
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“We’ve been observing your efforts from afar in Bauchi, and we see many similarities in our approaches—empowering our people, encouraging entrepreneurship, and attracting credible investors,” Mr Mohammed said.
Waziri, while confirming the planned $2.6 billion investment, praised the collaboration between the two governors and assured that construction would commence soon.
