By Joshua Yousouph
The Ogun State Government has called on the Federal Government to accelerate the development of the proposed east–west national railway line from Kajola, stressing that the project is critical to the sustainability of the planned Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port (IDP).
The appeal was made during a recent stakeholders’ meeting convened to review and validate reports submitted by consultants on the proposed Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port project. The meeting brought together sector experts and government representatives to harmonise technical inputs and ensure alignment with existing policies and regulatory frameworks.
The initiative is being driven by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in collaboration with the Ogun State Government, with consultancy support from Dewland International Company Limited.
Representing the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, the Permanent Secretary, Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, emphasised the need for collective ownership and validation of the consultancy outcomes. She highlighted transparency and collaboration as key pillars for the project’s success and commended the Ogun State Government for providing 130 hectares of land for the development.
Mahmood also disclosed that the consultants are expected to complete their assignment within 12 months, urging sustained synergy among the ministry, technical experts, and the consulting team.
Speaking on behalf of the state government, the Commissioner for Transportation, Olugbenga Dairo, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its continued collaboration in expanding Nigeria’s logistics and maritime value chain. He described the siting of the inland dry port within the Epe–Mojoda corridor of Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area as a strong endorsement of Ogun State’s strategic importance.
Dairo, however, stressed that the timely development of the east–west railway line from Kajola remains vital to ensuring the viability and long-term success of the inland dry port project.
Also speaking, the Director of Maritime Services, Mershack Adeola Oyinloye, noted that the inland dry port would play a significant role in decongesting seaports, facilitating trade, and strengthening Nigeria’s commitments under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Other stakeholders at the meeting included representatives of the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, alongside officials of the Ogun State Government and the consulting firm
