Empirical Study of the Social and Economic Impacts of Port Development on Riparian Communities in Ondo State

Port development projects generate economic opportunities and social disruptions for adjacent riparian communities, creating a complex nexus of development and displacement impacts that require careful empirical examination. This study investigates the social and economic impacts of the proposed Ore-Irele deep seaport development on riparian fishing and farming communities in Ondo State, South West Nigeria. A mixed-methods research design was employed, using a structured household survey administered to three hundred and fifty households in six potentially affected communities, supplemented by focus group discussions with community leaders and key informant interviews with Ondo State port development officials and environmental impact assessment consultants. Social impact dimensions assessed include livelihood disruption, land acquisition anxiety, and access to project employment. Economic impact dimensions include changes in fishing income, land values, and local business activity. Findings reveal significant community anxiety regarding displacement of fishing grounds and inadequate compensation frameworks, contrasted with moderate optimism about employment generation. Women-headed fishing households are identified as the most socially vulnerable group, facing the greatest livelihood disruption risk without proportionate access to project employment opportunities. The study contributes empirical social impact data to the environmental and social impact assessment process and addresses a gap in the literature on community impacts of new port development in South West Nigeria. Keywords: port development, social impact, riparian communities, Ondo State, fisheries livelihood