The All Progressives Congress has commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for attracting a 500,000-barrel-per-day refinery and a 1,471-hectare Sunshine Free Trade Zone worth $50 billion to Ondo.

The party, in a statement, described the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited on the establishment of the refinery as a landmark investment.

The party stated that the governor’s visionary leadership and proactive efforts had attracted significant investment to Ondo.

“This monumental $50 billion project represents one of the largest private-sector-driven investments in Nigeria’s history and will significantly transform the economic landscape of Ondo state. Ondo state occupies a strategic position among Nigeria’s oil-producing states, and this development reinforces the state’s rightful place in the nation’s energy sector.

“It is worth recalling that the Dangote Refinery, now located in Lagos State, was initially proposed to be sited in Ondo state. However, due to poor coordination and lack of foresight at the time, the opportunity was lost.

“Governor Aiyedatiwa’s achievement, therefore, demonstrates a clear reversal of that missed chance — a testament to his administrative competence, strategic engagement, and investor-friendly governance,” it said.

APC lauded the governor for creating an enabling environment that made the investment possible and for restoring investor confidence in Ondo.

The party appealed to residents and the host communities where the refinery and free trade zone would be located, asking for their full support of the projects. According to the party, the projects will not only generate massive employment for youths and local residents but also boost local businesses.

APC added that the projects would stimulate the state’s gross domestic product and open up the host communities to unprecedented economic and infrastructural development.

“Upon completion and commencement of operations, the refinery will position Ondo State as a major hub for energy production, trade, and industrial growth in the country.

“The APC congratulates Governor Aiyedatiwa for his exemplary leadership and dedication to driving economic transformation through strategic partnerships that will benefit both the people and the state in the long term,” the statement said. 

(NAN)