Ministry lauds Ogun Inland Dry Port project on ICRC’s certification

The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has acknowledged the Ogun State’s Inland Dry Port (IDP) project for securing a Certificate of Compliance from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).

The ministry stated that the certification would further facilitate the implementation of developmental processes of the proposed port. The Chairman of the Project Delivery Team (PDT), Olusanya Immanuel, stated this during a ‘due diligence meeting’ held at the project site and a review of the project’s business case in Abeokuta.

The team included representatives from the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the host state, Arise IIP (the state project consultant) and other stakeholders.

Immanuel acknowledged that Ogun State is at the forefront of investment and vocational hubs, noting that the IDP project would benefit not only the state but also other states and the country at large. He said that with all due diligence in place, the state has scored a pass mark for the recommendation of the issuance of certificate of compliance.

Immanuel noted that the successful progression of the IDP project signals a promising future for Ogun State’s infrastructural development, potentially transforming it into a pivotal investment and logistics hub in the country.

Representatives of NSC, Bala Adamu, and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Ayanja Mathew, in their separate remarks, emphasised the importance of communication channels, a detailed memorandum of understanding with the state project consultant, a robust developmental plan, and evidence of environmental and social impact assessments, among others.

They said that with all these criteria well captured and forwarded accordingly, Ogun is set for recommendation. In his response, the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, expressed gratitude for the team’s visit, which aligns with the state’s desire to advance the inland dry port project, a strategic development plan of the current administration.

Abiodun, who was represented by the Commissioner for Transportation, Dairo Olugbenga, noted that the groundbreaking ceremony for the IDP project would be announced soon.

He highlighted ongoing projects across the state’s three senatorial districts, including mass transit buses, the Olokola deep seaport, and the red and blue urban rail services extensions, as well as mentioning the upcoming commercial operations at the Gateway International Airport.