The Federal Government and Ogun State have moved forward in the development process of the proposed Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port, as stakeholders convened in Abeokuta for the review and validation of consultancy reports on the project.
The engagement, held in recently Abeokuta, brought together key players in Nigeria’s maritime and logistics sector, including representatives of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Ogun State Government, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, and consultants Dewlands International Company Limited.
According to a press release issued on Wednesday, by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Anastasia Ogbonna, the meeting was part of a “collaborative review and validation” process aimed at strengthening technical inputs and ensuring the project aligns with national economic priorities.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, noted that Nigeria’s maritime sector remains a critical driver of economic growth, describing it as a “strategic component of the economy and a major gateway for international trade and industrial productivity.”
He explained that the consultancy exercise was commissioned to support evidence-based planning and sustained reforms in the sector.
Representing the Minister, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, said the validation exercise was designed to go beyond presentations and instead allow stakeholders to scrutinise findings, identify implementation risks, and ensure recommendations are practical and aligned with existing policy and legal frameworks.
“By harmonizing the perspectives of all key institutions, we aim to foster a shared understanding of the project’s strategic direction,” she said, adding that inclusive engagement would enhance transparency and promote collective ownership necessary for successful implementation.
She also commended the Ogun State Government for its cooperation, particularly the allocation of land for the project, noting that the consultancy work is expected to be completed within 12 months. She called for stronger synergy between the Ministry, its agencies, and consultants to ensure timely delivery.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Dapo Abiodun, the State Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, reaffirmed Ogun State’s commitment to developing a robust logistics ecosystem. He described the inland dry port project as central to the state’s ambition to become a major industrial and logistics hub in Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Director of Maritime Services, Mr. Meshack Adeola Oyinloye, said the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port aligns with key national policy frameworks, including the National Transport Policy and the Nigerian Ports Masterplan. He added that the project would support port decongestion, improve trade facilitation, and strengthen Nigeria’s readiness under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The ministry stated that the validation exercise reflects a shared commitment to building “a more efficient, modern, and globally competitive maritime industry,” describing the initiative as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s broader blue economy agenda.
