The federal government has set a 12 month timeline to advance the proposed Ijebu Ode Inland Dry Port as part of efforts to decongest seaports and improve trade logistics across the country.
This was disclosed during a high level stakeholders’ meeting held in Abeokuta under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, where key industry players and government agencies reviewed and validated consultancy reports guiding the project’s implementation.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, described the maritime sector as a key driver of economic growth and international trade competitiveness.
He noted that unlocking the sector’s full potential requires reforms based on data, technical expertise, and practical industry experience, stressing that the validation process is a crucial step in aligning technical recommendations with real operational needs.
According to him, the engagement is designed not just as a presentation but as a collaborative exercise aimed at strengthening the quality and practicality of the project framework.
Stakeholders agreed that the consultative process will help identify potential implementation risks early, improve transparency, and ensure stronger ownership across relevant institutions.
The minister also confirmed that the consultancy phase is expected to be completed within 12 months, urging c collaboration between the ministry, its agencies, and technical partners to meet the timeline.
The project has also received strong backing from the Ogun State Government, which provided land for its development as part of its broader infrastructure strategy.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Dapo Abiodun, the State Commissioner for Transportation, Engr Gbenga Dairo, said the inland port aligns with Ogun State’s long term ambition to become a leading logistics and manufacturing hub in Nigeria.
He added that the facility would strengthen the state’s role in national and regional supply chains while attracting new investments into the industrial sector.
Officials from the Ministry also linked the project to national frameworks such as the Nigerian Ports Masterplan and the National Transport Policy, as well as continental trade goals under the African Continental Free Trade Area initiative.
Stakeholders including the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Ogun State Government, and project consultants participated in the validation meeting, highlighting a coordinated approach to infrastructure development in the maritime sector.
The inland dry port is expected to significantly reduce congestion at coastal ports, improve cargo movement efficiency, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global trade.
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