Former French Minister of Transport, Mr. Djebbari Jean-Baptiste, has revealed that French investors are interested in Ogun State’s transport sector, with a particular focus on the agro-cargo airport.
In addition to the airport, other key areas of interest for the investors include the dry port, Olokola Sea Port, and the state’s railway system.
Jean-Baptiste made the remarks following a closed-door meeting with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun in Abeokuta, where he expressed his satisfaction with the infrastructure at the airport, noting it had captured the attention of French investors.
“This is one of several meetings I have had with the governor over the years. We’ve discussed aviation projects because the state is developing the Gateway International Airport, the dry port, and other major transport infrastructure,” Jean-Baptiste said. “We have many French operators in transportation, logistics, and aviation who are eager to invest in Nigeria, particularly Ogun State, which is seen as a dynamic and reliable partner.”
He also noted that during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to France in December, he had offered to visit Ogun to explore ways of contributing to the state’s transport and aviation development.
Jean-Baptiste’s two-day visit will include tours of the Gateway International Airport, the dry port, the sea port, and the railway system to assess opportunities and share experiences, emphasizing the region’s rapidly developing products and high market demand.
Governor Abiodun, speaking earlier, highlighted that his administration had developed a master plan for multimodal transport to improve the state’s transport systems and bolster the economy.
“We’ve leveraged the federal government’s rail infrastructure, which influenced the development of the Gateway International Airport, the dry port, and our upcoming seaport,” Abiodun said. “We plan to transport cargo to Kajola by rail for more efficient clearance, which will ease the challenges manufacturers face with Tin Can and Apapa ports.”
The governor also provided an update on the airport’s progress, stating that the physical construction is complete, with the runway, control tower, and most of the terminal building finished. He added that the airport would be the best-equipped in Nigeria once navigational equipment, including runway lights, are installed. The airport is part of an ecosystem that includes a Special Agro-Processing Zone and a Nigeria Customs and Excise Village for faster processing of goods.
