Godswill Michael
The Ogun State government has officially ceded 130 hectares of land to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy (FMM&BE) for the development of an inland port terminal in Ijebu-Ode.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Olufemi Oloruntola, formally signed the Transfer of Rights, Control, and Possession documents on behalf of the Federal Government, affirming the administration’s commitment to completing the project in record time.
Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port
He said the new port, to be known as the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port, would help decongest the Western Ports—especially those in Lagos—by creating an alternative trade and logistics hub that enhances the movement of goods within the South-West region.
Representing Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Ogun State Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, confirmed the handover of the land, describing it as a strategic move to “facilitate and enable the construction of an inland port terminal within the Ijebu-Ode economic cluster area.”
According to Dairo, the project will “improve intermodal transportation in the State and the Western Ports by extension,” adding that Ogun is positioning itself as a key logistics and trade gateway for Nigeria’s industrial corridor.
The handover ceremony, which took place in Abeokuta, was witnessed by the Director of Maritime Services, Dr. Mercy Ilori, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Pius Akutah, and officials from the National Inland Waterways Authority.
The Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port is part of the Federal Government’s broader plan to enhance cargo handling capacity, ease bottlenecks at seaports, and promote regional economic development through inland logistics infrastructure.
With the land now officially transferred, the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is expected to commence preparatory works, including site surveys, feasibility studies, and partnership engagements for the port’s development.
