Olokola deep seaport project to provide over 1 million jobs – Shipping expert.

The much talked about Olokola deep sea port in Ondo state has been projected to generate not less than one million job opportunities for Nigerians if the project sees the light of the day.

Otunba Sola Olatunji, who spoke with our correspondent in his office in Lagos on Wednesday said that the project would generate huge employment opportunities for the people because of the several job openings attached to shipping business.

Recall that the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) reportedly cancelled the proposed Badagry sea port due to fears of congestions of having two sea ports in one state.

Otunba Olatunji said that Ondo state deep sea port would be a viable alternative for the Badagry port for its location and draught.

According to him, the Olokola river has the longest coast and deepest draught in Nigeria hence will be able to take bigger vessels that cannot berth in Lagos and other river ports in Nigeria.

He maintained that many ancillary services attached to the shipping will help to generate more jobs for the people as well as attract investors into the country.

He maintained that if the government relies on Lagos Port alone, there will continue to be congestion in the axis.

He said, “If this project is actualized, not less than one million jobs will be created in terms of employment.

“Again, do you know that this deep seaport business is logistics. I just mentioned to you that out of about twenty vessels that come to West Africa, seventeen come to Nigeria.

“They will all come there to do their maintenance. Do you know the implication? Do you know how much will be accruable to Nigeria daily? Do you know  that all the channelling activities of these vessels will be done here?

“People that are selling provisions, people that are selling bunkers, people that are doing all sorts of things in relation to these ships will continue to eat. Do you know the implication?

“So, you will now see new businesses thriving, new markets emerging because sailors will come out from the ships to go and buy things.

“Boat operators, ancillary service providers will come and investor will put money in the business.

He however suggested that the proposed sea port be run by Private and Public Partnership model.