By Hagxy Don
In a significant move to boost Nigeria’s economy and address the persistent congestion in Lagos seaports, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of Inland Dry Ports (IDPs) in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, and Moniya, Oyo State. These projects, set to transform the Western Port System, aim to streamline port operations, reduce delays, and create job opportunities for the teeming youth in the region.
Announcing this development during the 2025 Budget Defence at the National Assembly, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, emphasized that these dry ports will alleviate the logistical burden on Lagos ports while accelerating economic activities in the Western region. He assured stakeholders that design consultancies are already underway to ensure the fast-tracked delivery of these facilities.
Oyetola further outlined the challenges confronting Nigeria’s maritime sector, including infrastructure decay, silted river courses, and inadequate fish production, while highlighting the government’s proactive steps to tackle these issues. "The Federal Government is committed to consolidating and sustaining achievements by prioritizing ports infrastructure, boosting fish production, enhancing maritime safety, and deploying advanced technology to improve operations and revenue generation," the Minister stated.
Under the 2024 appropriation, the Ministry has prepared key policy documents, including the National Blue Economy Strategy and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, which Oyetola described as foundational frameworks for Nigeria’s maritime development.
This initiative is a testament to President Tinubu's vision for economic revitalization, job creation, and the promotion of a sustainable blue economy, positioning Nigeria as a maritime hub in the region.
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