The All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State for attracting a massive 500,000-barrel-per-day refinery and a 1,471-hectare Sunshine Free Trade Zone, valued at $50 billion, to the state.
In a statement on Thursday, the ruling party lauded the governor for signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited on the establishment of the refinery, describing it as a “landmark investment” that will reshape the state’s economic future.
According to the APC, the project, one of the largest private-sector-driven investments in Nigeria’s history, underscores the governor’s visionary leadership and proactive approach to governance.
“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,” the statement read. “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.”
The party recalled that the Dangote Refinery, now located in Lagos, was initially proposed to be sited in Ondo State but was lost due to “poor coordination and lack of foresight” by past administrations. It said Aiyedatiwa’s success in attracting the new refinery marks a reversal of that missed opportunity and highlights his “strategic engagement and investor-friendly governance.”
The APC also commended the governor for fostering a conducive business environment and restoring investor confidence in the state.
It appealed to residents and host communities to support the projects, emphasizing that they would create thousands of jobs, boost local businesses, and drive infrastructure growth.
“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 statement added.
The party congratulated 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.”
