Gateway Inland Dry Port will be a model for others

By Abimbola Bamgbose

The federal government has pledged to develop the Gateway Inland Dry Port into a model for other inland dry ports across Nigeria.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, stated this when he led the ground-breaking ceremony of the facility at Kajola, in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State.

During his address, the minister emphasized that the dry port would be built to international standards and equipped with cutting-edge digital systems for cargo tracking, clearance, and movement.

These technologies, he noted, would ensure efficiency, transparency, and enhance Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness.

Alhaji Oyetola highlighted the strategic importance of inland dry ports in Nigeria’s efforts to diversify its economy and boost its presence in the Blue Economy.

He explained that such infrastructure would serve as vital components of the nation’s supply chain, helping to reduce dependence on traditional seaports.

The minister expressed confidence that the new port would improve the efficiency of Nigeria’s logistics network, ease congestion at the Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports in Lagos, and enhance the country’s trade profile globally.

He directed the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NPC, to ensure that the Gateway Inland Dry Port is developed as a state-of-the-art facility, integrating advanced technology and robust infrastructure to support modern port operations.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, also spoke at the event, underscoring the port’s potential to serve as a major logistics hub, driving economic development and opening new opportunities within the state.

Governor Abiodun described the project as the dawn of a new era of economic growth, job creation, prosperity, and positioning Ogun State as a key player in both national and regional trade.

Ogun State Commissioner for Transportation, Engineer Gbenga Dairo, echoed these sentiments, stating that the project reflects the administration’s commitment to state-wide economic growth and development.

In his remarks, the Olu of Ilaro and Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, called for the reconstruction of the Sagamu Interchange-Papalanto-Ilaro road to maximize the benefits of the project.

Oba Olugbenle thanked President Bola Tinubu for approving the port’s location in Ogun State, noting that it signals the realization of the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda.

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