FG Takes Over Site for Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port Project

The Federal Government has formally acquired a 130-hectare parcel of land in Ogun State earmarked for the construction of the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port, a major move in its strategy to decongest seaports and modernise trade logistics in the Western region.

At a handover ceremony, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Olufemi Oloruntola, officially signed the documents for the Transfer of Rights, Control, and Possession from Ogun State.

Engr. Gbenga Dairo, Ogun State Commissioner for Transportation, represented Governor Dapo Abiodun. He affirmed the state government’s commitment to support the inland dry port terminal as part of trade infrastructure improvements designed to enhance intermodal transport links and ease the bottleneck at Western seaports.

Named the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port, the facility is expected to serve as a logistics and cargo handling hub for exporters and importers in Southwest Nigeria. Upon completion, it will offer customs clearance closer to businesses, reduce dependency on Lagos ports, and stimulate economic activity in the surrounding region.

Representatives from key maritime bodies attended the ceremony, including Dr. Mercy Ilori (Director, Maritime Services), Pius Akutah (Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council), and officials from the National Inland Waterways Authority.

According to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the project forms part of the broader inland dry port initiative being fast-tracked to improve national trade infrastructure, reduce logistics cost, and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian exports.

Oshuniran Sheriff Ola