APC lauds Aiyedatiwa for attracting $50bn refinery, free trade zone project

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Ondo State Chapter, has commended Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa for attracting a 500,000-barrel-per-day refinery and 1,471-hectare Sunshine Free Trade Zone worth $50 billion to the state.

The party described the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (BINL) on the establishment of the refinery as a landmark investment.

The commendation is contained in a statement on Thursday in Akure by Mr Steve Otaloro, the Director, Media and Publicity of APC in the state.

The party said that the governor’s visionary leadership and proactive efforts had attracted the huge investment to the state.

“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 the state.

The party appealed to residents and the host communities where the refinery and free trade zone would be located, to give their full support to the projects.

According to the party, the projects will not only generate massive employment for youths and local residents but boost local businesses.

APC added that the projects would stimulate the state’s gross domestic product (GDP), 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 Gov. 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,” it said.