The Ministry Marine and Blue Economy has convened a high-level Stakeholders’ meeting for the collaborative review and validation of consultancy reports on the proposed Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port.
The Minister of Marine, Adegboyega Oyetola, noted that the maritime sector remained a strategic component of Nigeria’s economy and a major gateway for international trade and industrial productivity.
Oyetola, while speaking at the event held in Abeokuta, Ogun State acknowledged that maximising this potential requires sustained reforms and evidence-based planning, which informed the Ministry’s decision to commission the consultancy.
He stressed that the gathering was not merely a presentation exercise but a genuine collaborative validation process designed to enrich the technical reports with the practical, institutional knowledge of operators within the sector.
The minister, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Fatima Mahmood highlighted that through the inclusive platform, Stakeholders were scrutinizing the consultancy findings to identify potential implementation risks and ensure that recommendations are practical, actionable, and consistent with existing legal and policy frameworks.
“By harmonising the perspectives of all key institutions, we aim to foster a shared understanding of the project’s strategic direction,” Oyetola said.
He added that such active engagement enhances transparency and builds the collective ownership necessary for successful adoption and effective implementation of the Inland Dry Port project.
Acknowledging, Ogun State’s pivotal position in Nigeria’s logistics corridor, Oyetola appreciated the Ogun State Government for its robust cooperation, particularly the generous handover of the project land to the Federal Government.
He announced that the consultancy services are scheduled for completion within a twelve-months timeline, calling for close synergy among the Ministry, its maritime agencies, and the consulting team.
Speaking on behalf of Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, the State Commissioner for Transportation, Gbenga Dairo, reiterated the state’s strong commitment to attracting shipping logistics and related industries.
He described the project as a key component of its vision to position Ogun as a major industrial and logistics hub in Nigeria.
Earlier, the Director of Maritime Services Mr. Meshack Oyinloye, stated that the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port project aligned with key national policies, including the National Transport Policy, the Nigerian Ports Masterplan, and the objectives of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
He noted its critical role in port decongestion, trade facilitation, and Nigeria’s commitments under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).