The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the successful realization of the Moniya Inland Dry Port project, with the convening of a high-level review and validation meeting on its implementation strategy, describing the project as a major driver of economic transformation and regional trade expansion.
The meeting, which brought together key Stakeholders from the public and private sectors, development partners, and Federal Regulatory Agencies, focused on the presentation and validation of the consultant’s final report, as well as the integration of stakeholders’ inputs into the implementation framework.
In his welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Adetunji Babatunde, who represented the Governor of Oyo State, expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their continued commitment to the project, describing it as a strategic infrastructure that will reposition the State’s economy.
He also commended the project Consultant, DewLands International Company Limited for its technical work on the report, noting that the Inland Dry Port would serve as a “game changer in the nearest future, creating jobs, decongesting the seaports, and projecting Oyo State as a major logistics hub.”
Prof. Babatunde explained that the engagement was designed to ensure thorough review, validation, and alignment of the project’s recommendations with both state and national development priorities.
He added that the initiative aligns with Federal efforts to enhance logistics efficiency, improve trade facilitation, and reduce congestion at existing seaports, particularly in Lagos.
According to him, “our shared vision and collaboration will drive this project into reality and ensure that Oyo State fully harnesses the benefits of this strategic infrastructure.”
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Akin-Funmilayo Williams, noted that the project is being implemented in collaboration with relevant Federal Agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, under the leadership of the Honourable Minister, H.E.
Adegboyega Oyetola, CON.
He said the partnership reflects strong synergy between the Federal and State governments in delivering critical infrastructure that will stimulate economic growth and development.
Representing the Honourable Minister, the Director of Maritime Services at the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Oyinloye Adeola Meshack, He described the project as a transformative intervention for trade facilitation and regional connectivity.
He urged stakeholders to remain open, sincere, and committed in their engagement, emphasizing that the project would strengthen economic linkages across the South-West region and beyond.
Mr. Oyinloye explained that the Inland Dry Port would help address congestion at existing seaports in Lagos by serving as an inland extension linked through road and rail infrastructure, thereby improving efficiency in cargo clearance and distribution.
He added that the project would boost economic activities along the corridor, create employment opportunities, strengthen small and medium-scale enterprises, and support industrial development across Oyo State and the South-West region.
He further noted that supporting infrastructure, including road rehabilitation to the project site and the upgrade of the Airport to international standards, formed part of broader efforts to create an enabling environment for investment.
According to him, relevant Agencies such as the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the Nigerian Ports Authority are already collaborating closely with the State Government to ensure smooth documentation and timely implementation.
He expressed optimism that operations would commence in the near future, describing the project as a “significant step towards improving trade efficiency and unlocking regional economic potential.”
