The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, on Friday presided over the groundbreaking ceremony of the Gateway Inland Dry Port in Ogun State, assuring that the project will serve as a benchmark for other Inland Dry Ports nationwide.
During the event, which took place in Kajola, Ewekoro Local Government Area, Oyetola emphasized that the facility would be built to meet global standards.
He also highlighted that it would be equipped with cutting-edge digital systems for tracking, clearance, and cargo movement to guarantee operational efficiency, transparency, and international competitiveness.
“This project is more than just infrastructure development; it represents the establishment of a pivotal logistics hub that will facilitate seamless goods movement across Nigeria. Over 5,000 direct jobs and 15,000 indirect jobs will be created, thereby boosting local businesses and attracting investments that will spur regional growth, particularly in Ogun State and beyond,” Oyetola stated.
Aligning the initiative with the federal government’s vision, the Minister added: “This initiative perfectly fits into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at creating an enabling environment that fosters innovation, economic growth, and infrastructural development. This port will make Ogun State even more attractive to businesses and investors, advancing our collective goal of a prosperous Nigeria.”
Reflecting on his recent visit to a logistics hub in Lagos, Oyetola recounted the challenges businesses face due to congestion at traditional seaports, which extend transport times and raise costs.
“This underscores the urgent need for inland ports like the Gateway Inland Dry Port, which offer faster and more efficient alternatives for cargo transportation, ultimately benefiting our economy and reducing pressure on our coastal seaports.”
Oyetola expressed optimism that the dry port will enhance Nigeria’s logistics network, helping to decongest the Apapa and Tin Can Ports, thereby improving the nation’s global trade competitiveness.
He directed the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to ensure that the port integrates advanced technology and robust infrastructure, focusing on efficiency and sustainability to avoid the congestion challenges faced by Lagos ports.
“The Nigerian Shippers’ Council must work closely with the Ogun State Government and the concessionaire to ensure the facility becomes a leader in innovation and technological advancement. Sustainability should be at the core of our projects, and this dry port will contribute significantly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with road transport,” Oyetola noted.
In his remarks, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun described the Gateway Inland Dry Port as a key driver for development in the state.
“This facility will serve as a transport and logistics hub, driving industrial activities and manufacturing in Ogun State. With its strategic location and the rail line, containers destined for Ogun can be transported directly here, eliminating the need to pass through congested Lagos ports, thereby reducing production costs and trailer traffic on our roads.”
Abiodun added: “This groundbreaking is not just the commencement of a port; it symbolizes the start of a new era of economic growth and job creation. It is a clear testament to our shared vision of industrialization that will position Ogun as a leading logistics and industrial hub, not just in Nigeria, but across West Africa.”
Ogun’s Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, affirmed that the project reflects the administration’s ongoing commitment to fostering economic growth and extending development across the state.
Meanwhile, the Olu of Ilaro and Chairman of Ogun State Council of Obas, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, while commending the initiative, called for the reconstruction of the Sagamu interchange-Papalanto-Ilaro road to maximize the benefits of the dry port.
“This project demonstrates that the Renewed Hope agenda is becoming a reality, and we thank President Bola Tinubu for approving this port for our state,” Olugbenle concluded.
