Oyo State government has officially handed over 90 hectares of land along Ibadan-Oyo Road, Moniya in Akinyele Local Government Area, to the Federal Government for the construction of the proposed Moniya Inland Dry Port.
The state governor, ‘Seyi Makinde disclosed this while speaking at an event held at the Conference Room of the Secretary to the State Government, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, on Friday.
Governor Makinde, who spoke through his deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal, described the Moniya Inland Dry Port as a project that would enhance Oyo State economy and also promote agriculture value chain, industrialisation and infrastructure development in the country.
Makinde stated in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, that the inland dry port operation would result in the decongestion of the Lagos ports and ease of clearing goods.
The governor charged all stakeholders to support the project to make it a reality in no distant future.
Earlier in his remarks, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, explained that the Moniya Inland Dry Port is a strategic national project that would bring shipping services closer to importers and exporters.
Oyetola, who spoke through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Tpl Oloruntola Michael Olufemi, added that the inland dry port would stimulate industrial and agricultural growth across the entire South-West region.
He commended Governor Makinde for his patriotic gesture in aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
He described the official handing over of the land as a clear demonstration of partnership and shared vision between the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to expand economic opportunities through modern trade.
Oyetola stressed that the project would strengthen regional competitiveness, create jobs, and enhance Nigeria’s logistic chain.
Also, in his goodwill message, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers Council, Barrister Akutar Ukiyama, appreciated Governor Makinde for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the economic advancement of the state.
Ukiyama, who was represented by the Director, Inland Transport Service, Alhaji Ahmodu Yahyah, said the inland dry port, when completed, would generate direct and indirect jobs for the people of the state.
He added that it would also stimulate industrial growth, increase internally generated revenue, boost rural and urban development, provide a platform for seamless cargo clearance and logistics operations as well as enhance agriculture value chain.
Earlier in his welcome address, the state Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Mr. Akin-Funmilayo Williams, lauded the partnership between the Federal Government and Oyo State.
He assured that the state would create an enabling environment for the successful implementation of the project.
The event was attended by the state Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Hon. Segun Olayiwola; Commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry and Cooperatives, Mr Adeniyi Adebisi; and Chairman, Civil Service Commission Alhaji Kamorudeen Aderibigbe, among others.
