By Joy Onu
Nigeria’s push to expand inland shipping infrastructure gathered fresh momentum as the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy validated consultant reports for the proposed Moniya Inland Dry Port in Ibadan.
The validation meeting, held at the Local Government Training School Hall in Ibadan, brought together key stakeholders to examine technical reports that will guide the next stage of the project.
The move forms part of a broader strategy to extend port services beyond coastal areas, ease congestion at seaports and strengthen cargo movement between Nigeria’s ports and inland commercial centres.
The exercise followed a similar review recently completed for the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port project, signalling what the ministry described as sustained progress in expanding inland port facilities across the country.
Speaking at the meeting on behalf of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Oyinloye Adeola Meshack, Director of the Maritime Services Department, said the proposed facility is strategically located within the Moniya axis of Ibadan — an area that connects major commercial routes between southern Nigeria and the northern and eastern regions.
According to him, inland dry ports are designed to decentralise shipping services, bringing cargo processing and logistics closer to businesses while reducing pressure on coastal ports.
Meshack noted that the Moniya location offers significant advantages, including proximity to one of Nigeria’s largest urban markets, access to major road networks and ongoing rail development, as well as strong agricultural output that could support export activities.
He added that the project aligns with national economic priorities such as job creation, improved trade logistics and enhanced competitiveness under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
The minister’s representative also urged stakeholders to provide constructive input to improve the consultant reports, particularly on issues relating to land use, environmental impact, host community interests and infrastructure connectivity.
Representing the Oyo State Governor at the meeting, the Secretary to the State Government, Musibau Adetunji Babatunde, described the project as a product of growing collaboration between the state government and the federal ministry.
Babatunde said the inland dry port would strengthen Oyo State’s position as a major logistics and commercial hub, while also creating employment opportunities and stimulating industrial growth.
He added that once completed, the facility would serve as an export gateway for agricultural produce and manufactured goods, contributing to increased internally generated revenue for the state and boosting Nigeria’s overall economic output.
The stakeholders’ engagement is expected to produce final recommendations that will guide the next phase of the Moniya Inland Dry Port development as part of the Federal Government’s broader blue economy expansion strategy.
