The recently approved Kajola Dry Port has been hailed by the Ogun State Government as a transformative force for the state’s economy. The government anticipates that the project, set to generate at least 40,000 jobs for both skilled and unskilled workers, will significantly impact various facets of the state’s development.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Olugbenga Dairo, revealed that the construction of the dry port aligns with the vision of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration to position Ogun as Nigeria’s premier investment and business destination. The Federal Government’s approval for the dry port’s development stemmed from its strategic identification in the state’s Multimodal Transportation Master Plan.
Dairo emphasized the comprehensive planning process undertaken in collaboration with experts from Olabisi Onabanjo University and support from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office. The strategic plan, initiated in 2021, encompassed an airport and a dry port, with the airport nearing completion and the dry port intended to receive goods from Apapa and Tincan dry ports.
The proposed site for the dry port has been meticulously assessed and found to be strategically located, proximate to both the NRC narrow and standard gauge rail lines. The flat terrain is deemed suitable for a dry port, with notable industries like Lafarge and Dangote cement factories in its catchment area.
The Commissioner highlighted ongoing engagements with key stakeholders such as the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Nigeria Shippers Council, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), and visits to crucial entities like the Nigeria Railway Corporation in Oyingbo, Lagos. These efforts are part of the collaborative approach to ensure the successful realization of the Kajola Dry Port.
Dairo emphasized Governor Abiodun’s commitment to international best practices, drawing from his private sector background and experiences in various international institutions. The overarching goal is to make Ogun State the preferred destination for investors by focusing on policy development and effective project delivery.
