FG flags off construction of Gateway Inland Dry Port in Ogun 

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 Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, on Friday performed the groundbreaking ceremony of the Gateway Inland Dry Port in Ogun.

In his address at the event held at Kajola, Itori in Ewekoro local government, Oyetola noted that the Port would be a model for other Inland Dry Ports in the country.

The Minister said that the Port would be built to international standards, equipped with the latest digital systems for tracking, clearance and cargo movement to ensure efficiency and global competitiveness.

He explained that the project was  about laying the foundation for a key logistics hub that would facilitate the movement of goods across Nigeria.

Oyetola added that it would create over 5,000 direct jobs, 15,000 indirect jobs, and stimulate local businesses. 

” Moreover, it will attract investments that will spur regional development, benefiting Ogun state and beyond.

“No doubt, this project aligns seamlessly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as we are committed to creating an enabling environment that fosters innovation and economic growth.

“This initiative will undoubtedly help Ogun state become a more attractive destination for businesses and investors, reinforcing our collective aspiration for a prosperous Nigeria.

“Inland Dry Ports provide faster and more efficient alternatives for moving goods, ultimately benefiting our economy and reducing the burden on our coastal seaports,” he said.

Oyetola expressed the hope that the Dry Port would enhance the efficiency of the logistics network and contribute to the decongestion of Apapa and Tin Can Ports, thus improving Nigeria’s trade competitiveness on the global stage.

 The Minister directed the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to ensure that the Port is developed as a state-of-the-art facility integrating advanced technology, leveraging ICT  that supports modern port processes.

“This Inland Dry Port is expected to enhance the efficiency of our logistics network, reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with road transportation, and promote environmentally sustainable practices,” he said.

In his speech, Gov. Dapo Abiodun, said the Port would help in opening up and engendering more development in the state by serving as a transport and logistics hub for the nation.

Abiodun stressed that the groundbreaking event was not merely the foundation of a dry port, but the beginning of a new era of economic growth, job creation, and increased prosperity.

He emphasised that the project was 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.

“Having identified the ideal location convenient for our Gateway Dry Port inland container terminal, this facility is a key enabler of industrial activity and manufacturing in Ogun State. 

” It will, on completion, increase the ranking of our State on the ease of doing business index.

Earlier, the Olu of Ilaro and Chairman, Ogun State Council of Obas, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, appealed to the Federal government for the reconstruction of the Sagamu interchange-Papalanto-Ilaro road .

Olugbenle noted that the construction of the road would derive full benefits of the project.

He thanked President Tinubu for approving the siting of the port in the state.

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