Oyo Govt Hands Over 90.26 Hectares of Land to FG for Dry Port, Urges Proper Utilisation.
By Adewale Owoade
The Oyo State government has handed over 90.26 hectares of land to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for the construction of dry ports.
The handover ceremony was held at Moniya-Akinyele Dry Port, Ibadan.
The multimodal initiative is expected to decongest the nation’s seaports, enhance industrialisation, and support agricultural chains.
Speaking, the Governor of the state, Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, who described the decision as a welcome address, cautioned the federal government against failing to use the land for its intended purpose to avoid revocation.
“”So this multimodal system of transportation will enhance the economy, and you know the attendant advantages of having enhanced economy; Agri chain, industrialisation.
”Nigeria is so large that you cannot depend solely on sea port for clearance of goods and services, there must be intermediate operation in a way that people coming from the far north can meet, possibly at near middle center to take their goods. And so Ibadan dry port, Moniya dry port serves that assignment.
”The beneficial effect of the partnership would resonate on our people and the benefits would not tell anybody whether the person is APC or PDP or ANPP or whatever. It is to the people and that’s the focus of this administration,” Lawal emphasised.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, represented by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Michael Olufemi, noted that the land allocation highlights the shared vision between the federal and state governments to expand the nation’s economy.
He pledged quicker advancement of the project without failing to partner the Nigeria Shippers Council as to fulfil its due target.
“This collaboration underscores how Federal and State partnership can drive sustainable development and deliver enduring value to our people.
”When operational, it will strengthen regional competitiveness, create jobs and enhance Nigeria’s logistic chain.
”We deeply appreciate the steadfastness of His Excellency, the governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, FMSE, and the State Executive Council for this very patriotic gesture.
”It aligns with the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Particularly in promoting blue economy as a driver of inclusive growth.
”Let me assure you, that under the leadership of Honourable minister, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, the ministry would ensure that this project advances swiftly through its design, regulatory and implementation phases.
”We are working closely with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, and other stakeholders to make this vision a quick reality.”
Earlier, Oyo State Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Williams Akin-Funmilayo said the documentation will formalise the interest of the federal government in its quest for partnership with Oyo State on Blue Economy on 26th June, 2024 believing the partnership will enhance mutual benefits to the interest of the public..
”To be precise, 26th of June, 2024, we received correspondence from the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, showing interest in partnering with Oyo State for the development of the dry port.
”His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde, on 2nd of August, gave an approval that 90.26 hectares of land should be given to them for that project. I once again want to appreciate you for coming.
”Thank you for partnering with Oyo State and I hope and I believe at the end of it all, it’s going to be a mutual benefit exercise and program for Oyo State,” he said.
Also, Director of Nigeria Shippers Council, Ahmadu Yahaya Gatta said the marine economy will further serve an extension of seaports, direct services to import and exports with positive impacts on regional economy including agriculture, logistics, among others.
””This event marks a significant milestone in our collective effort to expand Nigerian Transport infrastructure, strengthen our logistics team and bring shipping activities closer to the hinterland,” he said.
