Moniya, Oyo State – The Federal Government has acquired 90 hectares of land from Oyo State to develop the Moniya Inland Dry Port, a key initiative aimed at expanding Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and easing congestion at seaports.

The Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) was officially handed over by Oyo State Deputy Governor Abdul-Raheem Lawal to Olufemi Oloruntola, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, who received it on behalf of the Federal Government.

Oloruntola described the gesture as a demonstration of strong intergovernmental partnership and a shared commitment to enhancing regional trade and industrial growth, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“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,” Oloruntola said.

The project benefits from its proximity to the Obafemi Awolowo Train Station, linking Lagos ports at Apapa and Ebute Metta to Moniya, Ibadan, improving cargo movement efficiency and reducing pressure on Lagos ports.

Dr. Pius Akutah, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, emphasized that inland dry ports are vital extensions of seaports, lowering logistics costs and enhancing regional connectivity.

Deputy Governor Lawal reaffirmed Oyo State’s commitment to the project’s timely completion and urged strict adherence to implementation timelines to ensure maximum benefit for local communities.

The Moniya initiative follows a similar development in Ogun State, where 130 hectares were allocated for the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port, reflecting growing regional alignment to expand Nigeria’s dry port network.