Oyo hands over 90 hectares to FG for inland dry port project

The Oyo State Government has officially handed over 90 hectares of land to the Federal Government for the construction of the proposed Moniya Inland Dry Port in Ibadan.

Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal performed the handover on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde on Friday at the project site along the Ibadan–Oyo Road in Akinyele Local Government Area.

The land was received by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Michael Olufemi.

Lawal described the project as a major economic boost for Oyo State and Nigeria at large, noting that it would enhance agricultural value chains, promote industrialisation, and accelerate infrastructural development.

He said the dry port would also help decongest Lagos ports and ease the process of clearing goods.

He urged all stakeholders to support the timely completion of the project, describing it as one with immense benefits for the South-West region and beyond.

In his remarks, Oyetola said the Moniya Inland Dry Port was a strategic national infrastructure designed to bring shipping services closer to importers and exporters while spurring industrial and agricultural growth across the region.

He commended Governor Makinde for aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through his support for the project.

“The official handover of this land signifies a strong partnership and shared vision between the Federal and Oyo State Governments to expand economic opportunities through modern trade,” Oyetola said, adding that the project would enhance regional competitiveness, create jobs, and strengthen Nigeria’s logistics chain.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Akutar Ukiyama—represented by the Director of Inland Transport Services, Alhaji Ahmodu Yahyah—commended the state government for its commitment to economic advancement.

Yahyah noted that the dry port, when completed, would generate both direct and indirect employment, stimulate industrial development, boost internally generated revenue, and promote balanced rural and urban growth.

He added that it would also improve cargo clearance efficiency, strengthen logistics operations, and enhance agricultural productivity.