The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Friday, 11th October, 2024, performed the groundbreaking ceremony of the Gateway Inland Dry Port (GIDP).
He charged the Ogun State government and the concessionaire of the port to build the facility to international standards with capablility of handling the demands of modern trade, a statement by Muhammad Tahir Zakari, the Head, Press, and Public Relations, FMM&BE, said.
According to the statement, the Minister stated this at the flag-off of the Gateway Inland Dry Port (GIDP) at Papalanto, Ewekoro Local Government Area, Ogun State.
He noted that during a recent visit to a logistics hub in Lagos, he observed firsthand the challenges businesses face due to congestion at our traditional seaports, which result in longer transport times and increased costs.
This experience highlights the urgent need for developing inland ports like the Gateway Inland Dry Port.
According to him, Inland Dry Ports provides faster and more efficient alternatives for moving goods, ultimately benefiting our economy and reducing the burden on our coastal seaports.
“This project is not merely about building infrastructure but about laying the foundation for a key logistics hub that will facilitate the movement of goods across Nigeria, creating over 5,000 direct jobs, 15,000 indirect jobs and stimulating local businesses,” Oyetola pointed out.
“The development of inland dry ports, like this one, is a critical component of our broader strategy to position Nigeria as a leading player in the Blue Economy. As we continue to diversify our economy, it is essential to create infrastructure that serves as key nodes in our supply chain, reducing our reliance on traditional seaports. This Inland Dry Port will enhance the efficiency of our logistics network, contributing to the decongestion of Apapa and Tin Can Ports and improving Nigeria’s trade competitiveness on the global stage.”
He further assured that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is actively working on policies to facilitate seamless port operations, including the automation of processes and the modernisation of infrastructure.
In addition, he confirmed that the Ministry will continue to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Works to prioritise road construction and upgrades, ensuring seamless connectivity to major economic centres. By extension, the ministry will also engage the Federal Ministry of Transportation so as to ensure the development of rail connectivity to link the Inland Dry Port with key industrial hubs, including the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge Railway.
“Let us also remember that the benefits of this dry port extend beyond just Ogun State; it is a project of national importance.
The Inland Dry Port will reshape how we handle logistics and trade both within and outside Nigeria. With this facility, we are one step closer to positioning our nation as a continental leader in trade and logistics. ” Oyetola said.
Also speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, said the facility is a key enabler of industrial activity and manufacturing in Ogun State. It will, on completion, increase the ranking of the state on the ease of doing business index.
“Because of the rail line right here, containers destined for Ogun can be ferried to Kajola and, on arrival, loaded onto the train and transported to Shederu, Kajola. Our manufacturers will be able to bring in their raw materials without having to go through the hassle of going to Lagos Tin Can or Apapa Ports to clear and transport them whilst dealing with the attendant demurrage costs that add to their overall cost of production.
Abiodun assured that the groundbreaking event is not merely the foundation of a dry port, but the beginning of a new era of economic growth, job creation, and increased prosperity, emphasising that the project is a testament to the shared vision of prosperity and industrialisation that would transform the State into a leading logistics and commercial center, both in Nigeria and across West Africa.
