The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has partnered with the Ogun State Government to develop the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port project, located along the Epe-Mojoda Expressway.
In his address during the official handover ceremony of the 130-hectare project site and title documents to the Federal Government, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, said the development of the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port would revamp and position Ogun State as an industrial hub
The minister was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Oloruntola Olufemi who said the project when developed will not only serve the state but also neighbouring states in the South -West.
“The Federal Government’s vision under the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry is to bring the ports closer to the people, Projects like this reflect our commitment to inclusivity, regional development, and sustainable trade facilitation.’’
Oyetola said the port will aid seamless movement of cargoes for shippers at the hinterlands.
The Perm Sec. also commended the Ogun State Government for its unflinching effort to develop the Inland Dry Ports at Papalanto in Ewekoro Local Government Area and Ijebu-Ode in the state.”
The landmark event signals renewed momentum in Nigeria’s drive to decentralize port operations and decongest the nation’s maritime gateways.
Addressing the historic gathering, the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON expressed the state’s commitment to actualize the Inland Dry Port project.
The Governor was represented by Ogun State Commissioner of Transport, Engr. Gbenga Dairo.
Abiodun also affirmed his readiness to continue to attract investors to the state with a tranquil and conducive business environment
Earlier, in his speech, The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Akutah Pius Ukeyima, Esq, MON, FCILT, Ph.D, expressed delight at the gathering for another milestone achievement in the state.
Dr. Akutah described the development as “a milestone in Nigeria’s maritime transformation agenda,” emphasizing that inland dry ports are critical to unlocking trade opportunities, stimulating industrial growth, and improving logistics competitiveness.
Akutah however lauded the transformative work of Governor Dapo Abiodun which is geared towards development of Ogun State.
“This project represents more than just infrastructure — it is about empowering industries, creating jobs, and strengthening the link between the ports and the hinterland. Ogun State’s strategic location makes it a natural choice for this investment,” Akutah said.
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council, which serves as the Nation’s Port Economic Regulator, is spearheading the project in partnership with private investors under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
With its growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s fastest-industrializing states, Ogun is poised to benefit immensely from the dry port’s establishment. The project is expected to attract ancillary businesses such as warehousing, haulage, freight forwarding, and logistics services, providing thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities.
Stakeholders in the Industry believe the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port will also complement existing economic corridors such as the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, the Sagamu Interchange, and the Lekki–Epe axis, forming part of a larger network that links the South-West to northern Nigeria and West Africa.
The Ijebu-Ode project aligns with Nigeria’s broader Blue Economy agenda, which seeks to diversify maritime activities beyond the coastline to inland and intermodal infrastructure. It underscores the government’s determination to harness logistics, shipping, and transportation as key growth drivers.
Also speaking, the Ogun State Honourable Commissioner for Fiscal Planning & Urban Development, Tpl. Tunji Odunlami Olusoga, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for all his incisive initiatives that have significant impact on the nation’s economy. He described the dry port project as a game-changer for the Ogun State economy
Olusoga commended the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun for his exemplary style of leadership which is having a positive impact on their economic development.
He said structure is incompletes without the development of transport infrastructure (Inland Dry Port and Vehicle Transit Area) projects.
