The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the successful realisation of the Moniya Inland Dry Port project, following a high-level review and validation meeting on its implementation strategy.
The government described the project as a major driver of economic transformation and regional trade expansion.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the state capital.
According to the statement, the meeting brought together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors, development partners, and federal regulatory agencies.
It focused on the presentation and validation of the consultant’s final report, as well as the integration of stakeholders’ inputs into the implementation framework.
In his welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, who represented Governor Seyi Makinde, appreciated stakeholders for their continued commitment to the project, describing it as a strategic infrastructure that would reposition the state’s economy.
Babatunde also commended the project consultant, DewLands International Company Limited, for its technical work, noting that the inland dry port would serve as a “game changer,” creating jobs, decongesting seaports, and positioning Oyo State as a major logistics hub.
He explained that the engagement was designed to ensure thorough review, validation, and alignment of the project’s recommendations with both state and national development priorities.
“Our shared vision and collaboration will drive this project into reality and ensure that Oyo State fully harnesses the benefits of this strategic infrastructure,” he said.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mr Akin-Funmilayo Williams, said the project was being implemented in collaboration with relevant federal agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the leadership of the Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola.
He noted that the partnership reflects strong synergy between the federal and state governments in delivering critical infrastructure to stimulate economic growth.
A representative of the minister, the Director of Maritime Services at the ministry, Mr Oyinloye Meshack, described the project as a transformative intervention for trade facilitation and regional connectivity.
He urged stakeholders to remain committed, noting that the project would strengthen economic linkages across the South-West and beyond.
Oyinloye explained that the inland dry port would help address congestion at existing seaports in Lagos by serving as an inland extension linked through road and rail infrastructure, thereby improving efficiency in cargo clearance and distribution.
He added that the project would boost economic activities along the corridor, create employment opportunities, strengthen small and medium-scale enterprises, and support industrial development across Oyo State and the South-West region.
He further noted that supporting infrastructure, including road rehabilitation to the project site and the upgrade of the airport to international standards, forms part of broader efforts to create an enabling environment for investment.
According to him, relevant agencies such as the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the Nigerian Ports Authority are already collaborating with the state government to ensure smooth documentation and timely implementation.
He expressed optimism that operations would commence soon, describing the project as a significant step toward improving trade efficiency and unlocking regional economic potential.
Punch/ Tunmise Adesanmi
