The project, spanning 130 hectares of land allocated free of charge by the state, is poised to decongest the Lagos Port System, enhance regional trade competitiveness, and create thousands of jobs, marking another milestone in Ogun’s transformation into an industrial powerhouse.

The approval follows a formal request by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to Governor Abiodun, highlighting the collaborative efforts between the state and federal levels to drive national economic development. 

In a statement issued by Tayo Mabeweje, Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the Governor, the initiative was described as a key component of the Abiodun administration’s legacy projects aimed at fostering sustainable growth and investment. 

The land allocation, granted on an ex gratia basis, underscores the governor’s dedication to supporting federal infrastructure goals while prioritizing local economic empowerment.

Governor Abiodun, in his remarks, emphasized the strategic importance of the dry port in balancing industrial development across Ogun State’s three senatorial districts. 

“The Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port and the Gateway International Airport are critical enablers of industrialisation and regional competitiveness. Together, they will transform Ogun State into a logistics and economic powerhouse, creating prosperity for our people and opportunities for Nigeria at large,” Abiodun stated. 

He noted that this approval complements the earlier securing of the Kajola Inland Dry Port for the Ogun Central Industrial Cluster, ensuring equitable development in the eastern corridor as well.

The inland dry port is expected to serve as a major cargo hub for the South-West region, facilitating efficient cargo handling, storage, and distribution. 

Benefits include reducing congestion at seaports, increasing the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), strengthening the Ogun State Industrial Hub initiative, and unlocking new economic opportunities through job creation. 

Additionally, the project will add aesthetic and infrastructural value to Ijebu-Ode and its environs, including improved access roads, warehousing facilities, and integrated logistics services.

This development aligns with Ogun State’s broader agenda to position itself as Nigeria’s industrial capital, leveraging its proximity to Lagos and investments in multi-modal transport systems like the Gateway Agro-Cargo International Airport. 

Stakeholders, including business leaders and local communities, have hailed the move as a game-changer. Dr. Yemi Cardoso, an economic analyst and Ogun indigene, commented, “This approval not only decongests Lagos ports but also positions Ogun as a vital link in Nigeria’s supply chain, potentially attracting foreign direct investment and boosting local SMEs.”

As preparations for the project’s groundbreaking commence, the Ogun State Government has assured timely implementation, with private sector partnerships to ensure efficiency. 

The initiative is anticipated to generate direct and indirect employment for thousands, further solidifying Ogun’s role in driving national economic recovery under the Tinubu administration.