The Federal Government has announced a 12-month plan to move forward with the development of the proposed Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port, in a bid to reduce pressure on Nigeria’s congested seaports and strengthen the country’s trade logistics system.
This was disclosed during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held in Abeokuta and convened by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, where key government agencies, consultants, and industry operators reviewed and validated technical reports guiding the project’s implementation.
Representing the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, described the maritime sector as a critical driver of economic growth and international trade competitiveness. She stressed that unlocking its full potential depends on reforms anchored on reliable data and practical industry input.
According to her, the engagement was not just a routine presentation but a collaborative validation process aimed at strengthening the technical framework of the project with real-world operational experience from stakeholders in the sector.
She explained that the objective is to ensure the dry port project is practical, implementable, and fully aligned with existing regulatory structures. She also noted that bringing all key institutions together would help create a shared understanding of the project’s strategic direction.
The minister further stated that early involvement of stakeholders would help identify potential risks, improve transparency, and build collective ownership—factors considered essential for successful delivery in Nigeria’s maritime environment. He confirmed that the consultancy phase is expected to be completed within 12 months and called for stronger cooperation among relevant agencies and partners to meet the timeline.
The Ogun State Government, which provided land for the project, also reiterated its commitment, describing the initiative as a major step toward positioning the state as a logistics and industrial hub.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Dapo Abiodun, Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, said the dry port aligns with Ogun State’s long-term economic development goals and would strengthen its role in national and regional supply chains.
Officials noted that the project also aligns with broader policy frameworks, including the National Transport Policy, the Nigerian Ports Masterplan, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with expectations that it will ease congestion at existing ports and improve trade efficiency.
The meeting included stakeholders from the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Ogun State Government, and consultants Dewlands International Company Limited, highlighting a coordinated effort toward delivering the infrastructure project.
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