The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, took a significant step towards revolutionising Nigeria’s logistics infrastructure by performing the ground breaking ceremony of the Gateway Inland Dry Port in Ewekoro Local Government, Ogun State.
The event , held on Friday, 11th October 2024, signals a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s journey to bolstering its supply chain and reduce congestion at its coastal ports.
This is even as the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, while reeling out some of the steps his administration has so far taken to revolutionise the transportation sector in the state, thanked the minister for giving his backing to the Inland Dry Port project.
During his address, the Minister highlighted the transformative potential of the Inland Dry Port, emphasising its role in reshaping the nation’s economic landscape. He said, “This project is not merely about building infrastructure but about laying the foundation for a key logistics hub that will facilitate the movement of goods across Nigeria.” The project is expected to generate over 5,000 direct jobs and 15,000 indirect jobs, providing a significant boost to local businesses and encouraging foreign investment.
Oyetola further emphasised that the initiative is closely aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to stimulate economic development across Nigeria.
The minister underscored how the inland port will reduce the burden on congested seaports, such as Apapa and Tin Can Island, by offering faster and more efficient alternatives for transporting goods across the country.
As part of this bold strategy, Oyetola issued a direct mandate to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, stressing the need to develop the Inland Dry Port as a state-of-the-art facility. “I am issuing a clear directive to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to ensure that the Inland Dry Port is developed as a state-of-the-art facility, integrating advanced technology, leveraging ICT for seamless operations, and developing a robust infrastructure that supports modern port processes,” he declared.
The minister also outlined plans to integrate modern digital systems to track cargo, enhance operational efficiency, and promote transparency.
Furthermore, the minister said the port should be designed as a model for future infrastructure projects in Nigeria, saying it must adopt environmentally sustainable practices, including green energy solutions and advanced waste management systems.
“We must build with the future in mind, ensuring that projects respect the planet we all share,” Oyetola stated.
The minister called for strong partnerships between the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, the Ogun State Government, and the private sector. These public-private partnerships, he noted , would ensure that the Inland Dry Port serves as a catalyst for industrial growth and trade expansion, both locally and nationally.
The minister commended the governor for his visionary leadership, noting that the Inland Dry Port will handle a diverse range of goods, from agricultural products to industrial cargo, and will feature specialised facilities for perishables and temperature-controlled commodities. Strategically located, the port is set to reduce transportation times, lower costs, and promote Nigeria’s export sector, especially in agriculture.
“This landmark project is poised to transform Ogun State into a major logistics hub and strengthen Nigeria’s global economic competitiveness. With advanced technology, modern infrastructure, and strategic collaboration, the Inland Dry Port promises to reshape the country’s logistics and trade operations, ” Oyetola declared.
