President Bola Tinubu has given approval for the establishment of Inland Dry Ports (IDPs) in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, and Moniya, Oyo State, as part of efforts to alleviate congestion at Lagos ports and stimulate economic growth across the country.
This initiative is designed to address the pressure on the Western Port System and create vital job opportunities for the nation’s youth. The approval was confirmed by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, during his appearance before the Joint Senate Committee on Marine Transport and the House of Representatives Committee on Ports and Harbour for the 2025 budget defense.
Oyetola emphasized that the development of inland dry ports will not only ease the strain on Nigeria’s seaports but also foster employment opportunities in Ogun, Oyo, and other western states. The IDPs are expected to serve as essential hubs for transportation, storage, and distribution, thereby boosting the regional economy.
“These IDPs are integral to accelerating the decongestion of our Western Port System,” Oyetola noted.
The minister also acknowledged the ongoing challenges within Nigeria’s maritime sector, such as inadequate infrastructure, silted river courses, and limited fish production. To address these issues, he outlined several key initiatives under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, aimed at enhancing operations and increasing revenue generation.
“The ministry is dedicated to improving maritime safety and security, boosting fish production, and utilizing information technology to optimize operations,” Oyetola said.
Additionally, he revealed that the ministry has finalized several important documents that will serve as the foundation for a robust maritime policy. These include the Nigeria National Blue Economy Strategy, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, and the Strategic Roadmap for Nigeria’s Blue Economy.
“These documents are essential in shaping the future of Nigeria’s maritime sector and will guide infrastructure development and the expansion of the blue economy in the years ahead,” he concluded.
Oyetola reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to building on the progress achieved in previous years.
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