President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of Inland Dry Ports (IDPs) in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, and Moniya, Oyo State, as part of a strategic move to alleviate congestion at Lagos seaports, reduce delays, and stimulate the nation’s economy. This development aims to enhance the flow of goods, improve logistics, and foster regional economic growth.
The approval was announced by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, during the 2025 Budget Defense before the Joint Committee of the Senate on Marine Transport and the House of Representatives Committees on Ports and Harbour, Maritime Safety, Education, Inland Waterways, and Shipping Services.
Oyetola emphasized that the establishment of these Inland Dry Ports would create significant employment opportunities for the youth of Ogun, Oyo, and neighboring states in the Western region of Nigeria. The initiative is also expected to decongest the Western Port System, facilitating faster delivery and improving overall efficiency in the country’s maritime logistics.
“The Inland Dry Ports are targeted for fast-tracked delivery to alleviate congestion in Lagos and improve the overall port infrastructure,” Oyetola said, adding that design consultancies for the project are currently underway.
In his remarks, the Minister highlighted ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s maritime sector, including aging infrastructure, silted river courses, insufficient fish production, and a lack of adequate river crafts. To tackle these issues, the Ministry is rolling out several programs aimed at improving port infrastructure, boosting fish production, and enhancing maritime safety and security.
Oyetola further noted that the Federal Government is committed to sustaining and building upon the successes achieved in the previous year. The 2025 Budget, dubbed the “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity,” will prioritize ports infrastructural development, human capacity building, maritime safety, and the expansion of the blue economy.
Additionally, Oyetola revealed that the Ministry has finalized key strategic documents, including Nigeria’s National Blue Economy Strategy, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, and the National Policy for Marine and Blue Economy, all of which are set to be implemented under the 2024 appropriation.
The Ministry’s efforts are aligned with the government’s broader vision of transforming Nigeria’s maritime sector into a key driver of sustainable economic growth.
