In a strategic move to enhance Nigeria’s trade infrastructure and spur economic growth, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of Inland Dry Ports (IDPs) in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, and Moniya, Oyo State. The announcement was made through Nigerian Stories’ official X handle, sparking widespread discussions about the economic potential of these projects.
This landmark decision aligns with President Tinubu’s vision of revitalizing Nigeria’s logistics and transportation network, creating hubs to ease the burden on the country’s seaports and facilitate smoother trade routes for businesses. The Inland Dry Ports will serve as key centers for cargo consolidation and deconsolidation, reducing transit times and costs for businesses across the southwestern region.
The approval of the IDPs comes as a major boost to Ogun and Oyo States, regions already recognized for their industrial and agricultural potential. By bringing these inland ports closer to local businesses, the government aims to eliminate logistical bottlenecks, attract investment, and open new opportunities for job creation.
Ijebu-Ode, a historical trade hub in Ogun State, stands to benefit significantly from this initiative as it connects various agricultural producers and industrial operators to global markets. Similarly, Moniya in Oyo State, already a transportation nexus, will capitalize on this development to further strengthen its role as a regional trade powerhouse.
Nigeria’s congested seaports, particularly in Lagos, have long been a pain point for businesses and stakeholders in the logistics sector. The establishment of these IDPs will offer alternative routes for goods to enter and exit the country, thereby reducing the heavy traffic at the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports. This move is expected to accelerate the ease of doing business and enhance Nigeria’s standing in global trade rankings.
The announcement has been met with optimism from stakeholders in the trade and logistics industry. Many see this as a critical step in addressing the infrastructural challenges plaguing the sector. However, experts have called for transparency in the project’s execution and a clear timeline to ensure the IDPs are delivered efficiently.
With this forward-looking policy, President Tinubu reaffirms his administration’s commitment to economic diversification, regional development, and creating sustainable infrastructure that will empower businesses and communities alike.
As more details about the project unfold, Nigerians will be watching closely, eager to see how these Inland Dry Ports transform the nation’s logistics landscape and strengthen its economic future.
PIONEER NEWS 