In a significant step toward enhancing Nigeria's logistics infrastructure, the Oyo State Government has officially transferred 90 hectares of land along the Ibadan-Oyo road in Moniya, Akinyele Local Government Area, to the Federal Government for the construction of the Moniya Inland Dry Port.
The handover ceremony, held on Friday in Ibadan, was led by Oyo State's Deputy Governor, Mr. Bayo Lawal, on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde.
Representing the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy was its Permanent Secretary, Mr. Michael Olufemi, standing in for Minister Mr. Gboyega Oyetola.
The Nigerian Shippers' Council was represented by Director of Inland Transport Service, Alhaji Ahmodu Yahyah, on behalf of Executive Secretary Mr. Akutaru Ukiyama.
Deputy Governor Lawal emphasized the project's transformative potential, stating, "The Moniya Inland Dry Port as a project that would not only enhance the state’s economy but would also promote the agriculture value chain, industrialisation, and infrastructure development in the country."
He added that the facility would play a crucial role in decongestion of the Lagos ports and ease the clearing of goods for importers and exporters.
Minister Oyetola, through his representative, described the initiative as a "strategic national project that would bring shipping services closer to importers and exporters, thereby stimulating industrial and agricultural growth across the entire South-West region."
He highlighted its broader impacts, noting, "The project would strengthen regional competitiveness, create jobs, and enhance Nigeria’s logistics chain."
Alhaji Yahyah echoed these sentiments, pointing to the economic ripple effects: "The Inland Dry Port, when completed, would generate direct and indirect jobs for the people of the state, stimulate industrial growth, increase internally generated revenue, and boost rural and urban development."
The Moniya Inland Dry Port is envisioned as a comprehensive logistics hub offering seamless cargo clearance, warehousing, and multimodal transport services.
By alleviating pressure on Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos, it aims to reduce transit times, lower costs, and foster trade in the region.
Proponents say it will particularly benefit Oyo's burgeoning agricultural sector by streamlining exports of commodities like cocoa, yam, and cashew.
This development aligns with the Federal Government's broader agenda to modernize inland container depots and dry ports nationwide, with similar projects underway in Kano, Kaduna, and Jos.
Construction timelines have not been officially announced, but stakeholders expressed optimism for a swift rollout to capitalize on the site's strategic proximity to major highways and rail lines.
Governor Makinde's administration has prioritized infrastructure as a driver of economic diversification, and this handover underscores Oyo's commitment to collaborative federal-state partnerships for sustainable growth.
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