FG, Oyo swap land for dry port, locals wait
Oyo State transferred 90 hectares to federal authorities for the construction of the Moniya Inland Dry Port, marking another step toward easing congestion at coastal facilities. Deputy Governor Abdul-Raheem Lawal presented land documentation to Permanent Secretary Olufemi Oloruntola during a ceremony where officials from the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry and Nigerian Shippers’ Council inspected the designated area near Obafemi Awolowo Train Station.
The location benefits from railway connections to Apapa and Ebute Metta terminals, which should improve freight movement efficiency between Lagos docks and southwestern regions. Oloruntola said the facility aligns with presidential objectives to establish the country as a continental shipping center while bringing cargo services nearer to businesses across the region. Dr. Pius Akutah from the Shippers’ Council noted that these inland terminals reduce transportation expenses for companies operating away from seaports.
Lawal emphasized timely project completion to maximize advantages for residents throughout the area. The allocation follows a similar arrangement where Ogun State provided 130 hectares for the Ijebu-Ode facility, demonstrating coordinated regional efforts to expand logistics infrastructure beyond traditional port cities.
