Oyetola Inaugurates Gateway Inland Dry Port, Declares It Will Position Nigeria as a Logistics Hub… Marks the Start of a New Era for Economic Growth and Job Creation – Abiodun

Oyetola Inaugurates Gateway Inland Dry Port, Declares It Will Position Nigeria as a Logistics Hub… Marks the Start of a New Era for Economic Growth and Job Creation – Abiodun Former Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, has officially inaugurated the Gateway Inland Dry Port, asserting that the project will transform Nigeria into a major logistics hub in Africa. Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Oyetola emphasized the port’s strategic importance in boosting Nigeria’s global trade and facilitating efficient goods transportation.

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, hailed the development as the dawn of a new era in economic expansion and job creation. According to Abiodun, the dry port will not only enhance the state’s economic landscape but also attract significant investments and create numerous employment opportunities across various sectors.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, on Friday presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the Gateway Inland Dry Port, pledging to make it a model for similar projects across the country. Speaking at the event in Kajola, Ewekoro Local Government Area, the Minister highlighted that the port would be constructed to international standards, equipped with state-of-the-art digital systems for tracking, clearance, and cargo movement to ensure efficiency, transparency, and global competitiveness.

“This project is more than just building infrastructure,” Oyetola said. “It is about establishing a vital logistics hub that will facilitate the movement of goods across Nigeria, creating over 5,000 direct jobs and 15,000 indirect jobs, while also stimulating local businesses. It will also attract significant investment, promoting regional development that will benefit Ogun State and beyond.”

He emphasized that the initiative aligns perfectly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, as the government is committed to fostering innovation, economic growth, and infrastructure development. The project, Oyetola stated, would enhance Ogun State’s appeal to businesses and investors, furthering Nigeria’s goal of prosperity.

Recalling a recent visit to a logistics hub in Lagos, Oyetola noted the challenges posed by congestion at traditional seaports, which leads to longer transportation times and increased costs for businesses. This, he said, underscores the urgent need for developing inland ports such as the Gateway Inland Dry Port. Inland Dry Ports, he added, offer faster and more efficient alternatives for transporting goods, thereby alleviating pressure on coastal seaports and boosting the national economy.

Oyetola underscored that the development of inland dry ports is an essential component of the broader strategy to position Nigeria as a leader in the Blue Economy. He explained that as Nigeria continues to diversify its economy, building key logistics infrastructure is crucial to reducing reliance on traditional seaports. He expressed confidence that the Gateway Inland Dry Port would contribute significantly to streamlining logistics, reducing congestion at Apapa and Tin Can Ports, and improving Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness.

To ensure the success of the Gateway Inland Dry Port, Oyetola directed the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to develop the port as a state-of-the-art facility that integrates advanced technology and robust infrastructure to support modern port operations. “It is imperative that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council collaborates with the Ogun State Government and the concessionaire to create a competitive maritime ecosystem that leads in innovation and technological advancement. Sustainability must be at the core of all our infrastructure projects,” he added.

He further noted that the dry port would significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by decreasing road transportation needs, while promoting environmentally sustainable practices in line with global standards.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, also spoke at the event, highlighting the significant role the port would play in opening up the state for further development. He stated that the port would serve as a crucial transport and logistics hub for Nigeria and position Ogun State as a key player in the country’s industrial landscape. “This facility will be a key enabler for industrial activity and manufacturing in Ogun State. Upon completion, it will improve our ranking on the ease of doing business index,” he said.

The governor emphasized the importance of the rail line connected to the port, noting that containers destined for Ogun can be offloaded at Kajola, reducing the need to transport goods from Lagos’ Tin Can and Apapa Ports. This will help manufacturers avoid the delays and demurrage costs that increase their production costs, he added.

Abiodun also highlighted how the project would reduce traffic congestion caused by trailers on roads, thus minimizing wear and tear on critical infrastructure. “With the Gateway Inland Dry Port, we are reinforcing our position as Nigeria’s foremost logistics and industrial hub, offering unparalleled advantages to businesses operating here,” the governor declared.

He concluded by emphasizing that the event marks not just the foundation of a dry port, but the beginning of a new era of economic growth, job creation, and prosperity for Ogun State, cementing its position as a leading logistics and commercial center in Nigeria and West Africa.

The Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas, also praised the initiative, urging for the reconstruction of the Sagamu Interchange-Papalanto-Ilaro Road to fully maximize the benefits of the project. He thanked President Bola Tinubu for approving the siting of the port in Ogun State, adding that the project is a testament to the Renewed Hope Agenda taking shape.

The Ogun State Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, echoed the sentiment, calling the groundbreaking another step in the government’s commitment to spreading development and growing the state’s economy.