The Oyo State Government has formally handed over 90 hectares of land to the Federal Government for the construction of the proposed Moniya Inland Dry Port in Ibadan, the state capital.
The handover ceremony, held on Friday along the Ibadan–Oyo Road in Moniya, Akinyele Local Government Area, saw the state’s Deputy Governor, Mr Bayo Lawal, present the land documents to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Michael Olufemi.
Lawal described the dry port as a transformative project that would boost Oyo State’s economy, enhance agricultural value chains, promote industrialisation, and improve infrastructure development nationwide. He added that the facility would help decongest the Lagos ports and ease cargo clearance processes across the South-West.
He urged all stakeholders to collaborate and support the project to ensure its timely completion.
Speaking on behalf of the Federal Government, Oyetola described the Moniya Inland Dry Port as a strategic national infrastructure aimed at bringing shipping services closer to importers and exporters. He explained that the project would enhance trade efficiency, stimulate industrial and agricultural growth, and strengthen regional competitiveness across the South-West.
The minister commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his cooperation and alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing the handover as “a clear demonstration of partnership and shared vision” between both tiers of government.
In his goodwill message, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr Akutar Ukiyama, represented by the Director of Inland Transport Services, Alhaji Ahmodu Yahyah, praised Governor Makinde for his commitment to economic advancement.
Yahyah noted that upon completion, the dry port would generate both direct and indirect employment, boost the state’s internally generated revenue, and drive rural and urban development. He added that it would also facilitate seamless cargo clearance and logistics operations, further strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural and trade value chains.
