OYETOLA FLAGS OFF GATEWAY INLAND DRY PORT PROJECT IN OGUN STATE 14-10-24
By Sadiq Aminu The minister of Marine and Blue Economy Mr Oyetola Adegboyega Oyetola, has performed the groundbreaking ceremony of the Gateway Inland Dry Port at Papalanto, Ewekoro local government area of Ogun state.
Mr Oyetola gave a non-negotiable charge to the Ogun State government and the concessionaire that the port should be built on international standards with capability of handling the demands of modern trade.
He observed that businesses face challenges due to congestion at the nation’s traditional seaports, which result in longer transport times and increased costs.
This experience he said, highlights the urgent need for developing inland ports like the Gateway Inland Dry Port.
According to him, Inland Dry Ports provide faster and more efficient alternatives for moving goods, ultimately benefiting the economy and reducing the burden on 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.”
The Minister 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.
Oyetola added 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, saying the ministry will also engage the Federal Ministry of Transportation to ensure the development of rail connectivity to link the Inland Dry Port with key industrial hubs, including the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge Railway.
The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, said the facility is a key enabler of industrial activity and manufacturing in Ogun State, that would increase the ranking of the state on the ease of doing business index.