The Federal Government has set a 12-month timeline to advance the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port project, aiming to ease seaport congestion and boost Nigeria’s trade logistics
Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port: FG Targets 12-Month Timeline to Decongest Seaports
Nigeria’s push to modernise its maritime logistics has gained fresh momentum as the federal government targets a 12-month timeline to advance the proposed Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port.
At a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Abeokuta, convened by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, government agencies and industry players reviewed and validated consultancy reports expected to shape the project’s rollout—positioning the inland port as a key node in Nigeria’s logistics network.
Representing the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, described the maritime sector as central to economic growth and global trade competitiveness.
She emphasised that unlocking its full potential requires reforms grounded in data and real industry experience.
According to the minister, the exercise goes beyond routine review.
“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.”
He added that the approach is designed to ensure the project is realistic, implementable, and aligned with existing regulatory frameworks.
“By harmonising the perspectives of all key institutions, we aim to foster a shared understanding of the project’s strategic direction.”
Oyetola said early stakeholder engagement would help identify risks, improve transparency, and build sector-wide ownership—critical factors for execution in Nigeria’s complex maritime landscape.
He confirmed that consultancy work is expected to be completed within 12 months and called for stronger collaboration among agencies and technical partners to meet the deadline.
The minister also acknowledged the Ogun State Government’s role, particularly the provision of land for the project, highlighting growing federal-state collaboration in infrastructure delivery.
At the state level, Ogun reaffirmed its ambition to become a leading logistics and industrial hub, with the inland dry port expected to attract cargo traffic and investments.
Speaking for Governor Dapo Abiodun, Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, said the project aligns with Ogun’s long-term economic vision.
He described the port as a strategic asset that will deepen the state’s integration into national and regional supply chains.
Earlier, Director of Maritime Services, Mr. Meshack Adeola Oyinloye, linked the initiative to national and continental frameworks, including the National Transport Policy, Nigerian Ports Masterplan, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He noted that the inland dry port would ease congestion at seaports while improving trade efficiency.
The meeting drew participation from key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Ogun State Government, and consultants Dewlands International Company Limited—underscoring a coordinated, multi-agency approach to maritime infrastructure development.
