President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of Inland Dry Ports (IDPs) in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, and Moniya area of Ibadan capital of Oyo State.
The groundbreaking move, aimed at decongesting the Western Port System and stimulating economic growth, was confirmed by Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola during the 2025 Budget Defence to the Joint Committee of the Senate on Marine Transport and House of Representatives Committees on Ports and Harbour.
He said it marked a significant step forward in the Federal Government’s plan to transform the maritime sector.
Oyetola emphasized that the development of Inland Dry Ports will not only ease pressure on the country’s seaports but also create jobs for youths in Ogun, Oyo, and other states within Nigeria’s western region.
“These IDPs are crucial for fast-tracking the decongestion of our Western Port System,” Oyetola explained.
While discussing the approval, Oyetola highlighted ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s maritime sector, such as inadequate infrastructure, silted river courses, and limited fish production.
He noted that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is focused on addressing these challenges with several key projects and programs aimed at improving operations and enhancing revenue generation.
“The Ministry is committed to improving maritime safety and security, increasing fish production, and deploying information technology to boost operations,” Oyetola said.
Oyetola further revealed that the Ministry had finalized several essential documents that lay the foundation for a sustainable and robust maritime policy.
“These documents are critical to building a strong framework for the future of Nigeria’s maritime sector. They will guide infrastructure development and the blue economy’s growth in the coming years,” he stated.
