Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
Ogun State Facilitates Development of Ijebu Ode Inland Dry Port, Boosting Regional Trade and Economic Growth
Ijebu Ode, Ogun State – August 29, 2025 – In a significant move to enhance commercial activities in the region, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun CON has officially released 130 hectares of land along the Epe/Mojoda Expressway for the establishment of the Ijebu Ode Inland Dry Port. This decision follows a formal request by the Honorable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, who sought the land in a letter dated June 26, 2025.
The establishment of the Ijebu Ode Inland Dry Port is poised to serve as a vital catalyst for trade and economic development in Ogun State and beyond. Analysts have highlighted that this project will alleviate congestion at Lagos’ busy ports, ultimately boosting the national GDP and reinforcing Ogun State’s status as an industrial hub. By creating a cargo consolidation and distribution center for the South-West region, the port promises to enhance competitiveness and facilitate smoother trade in the area.
Alhaji Ismail Adebayo YISA, widely known as OMOADE, expressed his gratitude to Governor Abiodun for the visionary decision. He stated, "This inland dry port will not only strengthen Ogun State’s industrial initiatives but will also beautify the surrounding neighborhood, adding serenity and aesthetic value to the community."
The Ijebu Ode Inland Dry Port is strategically designed to link with the Lekki Deep Sea Port through a rail system. This connectivity will extend to the already proposed Kajola and Moniya Ibadan Dry Ports, as well as the Gateway International (Agro-Cargo) Airport, creating a comprehensive transportation network that supports efficient logistics. The dry port’s location within the Economic Development Cluster of Ijebu Ode further enhances its competitiveness, facilitating a reduced cost of production and making the area more attractive for industrial investments.
Governor Abiodun remarked, “The Ijebu Ode Inland Dry Port and the Gateway International Airport are critical enablers of industrialization 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.”
With the earlier establishment of the Kajola Inland Dry Port for the Ogun Central Industrial Cluster and now the Ijebu Ode Inland Dry Port for the eastern corridor, Ogun State demonstrates a balanced approach to industrial growth across its three Senatorial Districts, ensuring equitable and sustainable development.
This initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu's earlier approval in January for the development of Inland Dry Ports in Ijebu Ode and Moniya, aimed at alleviating the persistent congestion in Lagos seaports and boosting the national economy.
During a recent 2025 Budget Defence session in Abuja, Minister Oyetola reiterated that the construction of these inland dry ports is projected to generate employment opportunities for the youth of Ogun and Oyo states, as well as surrounding regions. “The Inland Dry Ports, when completed, will create jobs and stimulate local economies, addressing the pressing need for economic upliftment in the South-West,” he stated.
Oyetola further emphasized the urgency of addressing the notable deficiencies in the maritime sector, including infrastructure decay and inadequate resources for fish production and river transportation. The Ministry is set to initiate several projects and programs to resolve these challenges.
As Ijebu Ode prepares to embrace this transformational project, the communities anticipate the significant socio-economic benefits that the Ijebu Ode Inland Dry Port will bring, paving the way for a prosperous future driven by enhanced trade and industrial activities.
