The Federal Government of Nigeria has acquired 90 hectares of land from the Oyo State Government to establish the Moniya Inland Dry Port, a key step in expanding national maritime infrastructure and easing congestion at seaports.
According to a statement from the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oloruntola, received the Certificate of Occupancy from Oyo State Deputy Governor, Abdul-Raheem Lawal, on behalf of the Federal Government.
Oloruntola described the gesture as evidence of strong partnership and shared commitment between both governments to strengthen trade and industrial development in the region. He added that the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to position Nigeria as a maritime and logistics hub in Africa.
“The Moniya Inland Dry Port will serve as a strategic national asset, bringing shipping services closer to importers and exporters while stimulating industrial and agricultural growth across the Southwest,” he said.
Representing the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Oloruntola commended Oyo State for its “patriotic support” in advancing national maritime reform efforts.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, represented by the Director of Inland Transport Services, Ahmadu Garta, also praised Oyo State’s cooperation. He explained that inland dry ports are crucial extensions of seaports that lower logistics costs for inland businesses and improve trade efficiency.
“The Moniya Inland Dry Port will promote ease of doing business, expand Nigeria’s logistics capacity, and enhance regional connectivity,” Akutah said.
Oyo State Deputy Governor, Abdul-Raheem Lawal, reaffirmed the state’s full support for the project and called for strict adherence to implementation timelines to ensure early completion.
The event included the formal handover of the Certificate of Occupancy and a joint inspection of the site by officials of the ministry, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, and the Oyo State government.
Located near the Obafemi Awolowo Train Station in Moniya, the 90-hectare site benefits from direct freight and passenger rail links connecting Lagos ports to Ibadan. Officials noted that this connectivity will improve cargo movement and ease pressure on Lagos ports.
The development follows Ogun State’s recent allocation of 130 hectares for the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port, signalling growing regional collaboration in Nigeria’s dry port network expansion.
