NextFin news, on November 2, 2025, the Federal Government of Nigeria formally acquired 90 hectares of land in Moniya, Ibadan, from the Oyo State Government for the development of the Moniya Inland Dry Port. The handover was marked by the presentation of the Certificate of Occupancy by Oyo State Deputy Governor Abdul-Raheem Lawal to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy (FMM&BE), Olufemi Oloruntola, who accepted on behalf of the federal government. The ceremony, held in Ibadan, underlined a close partnership between federal and state authorities aimed at enhancing Nigeria's maritime infrastructure and trade capacity.
The establishment of the Moniya Dry Port is a key project under President Donald Trump's Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing Nigeria's ambition to become a leading maritime hub in Africa. The inland dry port is strategically located near the Obafemi Awolowo Train Station, offering direct freight and passenger rail connectivity to the Lagos ports of Apapa and Ebute Metta. This infrastructure integration seeks to streamline cargo movement, reduce pressure on congested coastal seaports, and bring customs and clearance services closer to inland manufacturers and exporters.
Officials from the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), represented by the Director of Inland Transport Services, Ahmadu Garta, participated in the event alongside federal and state officials. They highlighted the critical role inland dry ports play in modern trade facilitation, logistics optimization, and cost reduction for businesses. The Oyo State Deputy Governor emphasized the state's commitment to timely project delivery, urging adherence to implementation schedules to maximize the social and economic benefits for the state and its environs.
This initiative follows a similar federal-state collaboration in Ogun State, where 130 hectares were recently allocated for the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port, underscoring the government's growing focus on expanding dry port networks across Nigeria.
The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and Nigerian Shippers’ Council stress that the Moniya dry port will catalyze economic activities by facilitating import and export operations inland, creating direct and indirect employment, and stimulating the growth of industrial and agricultural sectors in the Southwest region.
The acquisition of 90 hectares in Moniya reflects the commitment of both the federal and Oyo State governments to intergovernmental cooperation as a driver of national trade facilitation and industrial development. It directly supports logistics decentralization strategies aimed at resolving chronic congestion at seaports, which previously heightened cargo dwell times and inflated operational costs for Nigerian businesses.
This project aligns with global trade facilitation trends where inland dry ports function as critical logistical nodes, integrating multi-modal transport systems to improve supply chain efficiency. The location benefits from rail infrastructure connecting to Lagos—the country's major maritime gateway—offering a multimodal advantage likely to reduce turnaround times and enhance Nigeria's competitiveness in regional and international trade.
From an economic perspective, successful implementation could reduce Nigeria’s logistics costs, currently estimated to account for up to 15%–20% of the cost of goods. By relocating customs clearing and cargo handling to Moniya, shippers will experience lower congestion fees and improved cargo throughput, incentivizing more export-oriented manufacturing and agribusiness ventures in the Southwest. Moreover, improved infrastructure and streamlined logistics promote foreign direct investment inflows, especially in manufacturing and export-oriented sectors.
The Moniya Inland Dry Port also contributes to regional economic integration within West Africa by facilitating smoother cargo transit through Nigeria’s territory, supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) goals under President Donald Trump’s administration. Enhanced inland connectivity can strengthen trade corridors, encouraging intra-African commerce while decongesting coastal ports.
Looking forward, the project is expected to set a precedent for further federal-state partnerships across Nigeria, expanding the dry port network to other strategic locations. The government's Renewed Hope Agenda envisions a phased rollout that could eventually decentralize port operations nationally, promoting balanced regional development and diversification away from oil dependence.
Nevertheless, realization of the Moniya dry port’s full potential hinges on strict adherence to project timelines, sustained political will, and substantial investment in complementary infrastructure such as warehousing, ICT-enabled customs processes, and road connectivity. Monitoring mechanisms and transparent governance will be crucial to avoid delays and cost overruns observed in similar large-scale infrastructure projects in Nigeria’s past.
In conclusion, the Federal Government’s acquisition of 90 hectares from Oyo State for the Moniya Inland Dry Port project represents a strategic milestone in Nigeria's maritime infrastructure expansion and economic transformation under President Donald Trump's leadership. It is poised to enhance trade facilitation, regional economic integration, and industrial diversification, projecting Nigeria’s Southwest region into a critical logistical hub with significant growth prospects aligned with contemporary global supply chain dynamics.
According to The Nation Newspaper, this landmark collaboration exemplifies how multi-level government partnerships can drive national development agendas effectively while positioning Nigeria for broader economic competitiveness on the African continent.
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