The Oyo State Government has reiterated its strong commitment to the successful delivery of the Moniya Inland Dry Port project, following a high-level review and validation meeting focused on refining its implementation strategy.
The project is being positioned as a key driver of economic transformation, with the potential to significantly enhance trade activities and strengthen Oyo State’s role as a major logistics and commercial hub in the South-West region.
The strategic meeting brought together a broad range of stakeholders, including representatives from the public and private sectors, development partners, and relevant federal regulatory agencies. Discussions centred on the presentation of the consultant’s final report, as well as the harmonisation of stakeholder contributions to ensure a comprehensive and practical implementation framework.
Representing Governor Seyi Makinde, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their continued support and dedication to the project. He described the inland dry port as a critical piece of infrastructure capable of reshaping the state’s economic landscape.
Babatunde noted that the facility would play a transformative role by creating employment opportunities, easing congestion at seaports, and positioning Oyo State as a central hub for cargo handling and distribution. He emphasised that the engagement was designed to ensure that all recommendations are thoroughly reviewed, validated, and aligned with both state and national development priorities.
The Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Akin-Funmilayo Williams, highlighted that the project is being executed in close collaboration with federal institutions, including the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, under the leadership of Adegboyega Oyetola. He noted that the partnership demonstrates a strong working relationship between the federal and state governments in delivering infrastructure that can stimulate sustainable economic growth.
A representative from the ministry described the project as a transformative initiative that will improve trade facilitation and strengthen regional connectivity. He explained that the inland dry port is designed to serve as an extension of seaports, particularly those in Lagos, helping to decongest them by enabling cargo to be processed and distributed inland through an integrated network of road and rail systems.
The project is also expected to stimulate economic activities along its corridor, support the growth of small and medium-scale enterprises, and promote industrial development across Oyo State and the wider South-West region. In addition, complementary infrastructure such as improved road networks leading to the site and the upgrade of the state’s airport to international standards are being pursued to create a more conducive environment for investment.
Key federal agencies, including the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the Nigerian Ports Authority, are actively collaborating with the state government to ensure efficient documentation processes and smooth execution of the project.
With strong institutional backing and growing stakeholder alignment, there is increasing optimism that the Moniya Inland Dry Port project will commence operations in the near future, marking a significant step toward enhancing trade efficiency and unlocking new economic opportunities for the region.
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