The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Akutah Pius Okeyima, has described the Gateway International Airport as a critical infrastructure capable of addressing challenges associated with cargo movement within Nigeria and across the West African sub-region.
Akutah remarked when he led a delegation of officials from the council on a courtesy visit to the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, at his office in Oke-Mosan Government Complex.

The Shippers’ Council boss, who expressed satisfaction with the pace of development in the state, said the airport would serve as a strategic hub for cargo movement within Nigeria and across the West African region.
According to him, the cargo airport represents a significant milestone in strengthening the country’s transportation infrastructure and improving the movement of goods.
“The state cargo airport is one of the critical infrastructures for transportation and the movement of cargo in and out of Nigeria. The commissioning and utilisation of this airport represent another milestone in the development of infrastructure around cargo transportation within and outside the country,” he said.

Akutah noted that cargo movement across West Africa currently faces significant challenges due to the absence of an effective intermodal transport system within the sub-region.
“Today, the movement of cargo around West Africa is very challenging due to the lack of an effective intermodal transport system within the sub-region. However, the development of this cargo airport presents enormous potential for facilitating cargo movement to West Africa and beyond,” he added.
He also observed that Ogun State has remained a major industrial hub in the country, making efficient cargo movement essential for sustaining economic growth.

Akutah commended the state government for simultaneously developing two dry ports, describing the projects as key infrastructure that would help ease pressure on Nigeria’s seaports.
He explained that the council chose Ogun State to host the fourth edition of its retreat because of the conducive environment in the state.
According to him, the gathering would provide members with an opportunity to deliberate on critical issues affecting cargo movement and proffer practical solutions.
“We have a lot to discuss for the progress of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council. We have several projects, and one of them is located here in Ogun State. Our concern this year is to expand critical infrastructure for services in Nigeria to ensure that cargo movement through and from the country is faster and that the ease of doing business is enhanced,” he said.

“Ogun State is a great partner in this regard with the simultaneous development of two dry ports. We specifically chose to come here to demonstrate our solidarity with the government, which is working very hard to help decongest the seaports through the development of these critical infrastructure projects.”
Akutah further praised the rapid pace of development in the state, attributing the growing number of industries to the government’s commitment to infrastructure development and the creation of a conducive business environment.
“Within the last two years that we have been visiting, there has been remarkable progress. The governor is clearly committed to excellence, and his impact can be seen in the transformation taking place across the state,” he added.
Earlier, Governor Abiodun disclosed that the state government is also developing a deep seaport aimed at accelerating economic growth and enhancing cargo movement across the country.

He said the project would help ease congestion at the ports in Lagos when completed.
The governor commended the Nigerian Shippers’ Council for its role in facilitating seamless cargo movement through effective handling, processing, and regulation.
He urged members attending the retreat to deliberate on strategies that would further strengthen the council’s efficiency and service delivery.