The economy of Ogun State is on the brink of a substantial transformation as the recently approved Kajola dry port is poised to become a game-changer, generating approximately 40,000 jobs for both skilled and unskilled workers. The government views this as a pivotal development that will significantly impact the state’s economic landscape.
As the hub of numerous manufacturing industries, Ogun State remains committed to fostering greater economic progress. The approval of the Kajola dry port is anticipated to not only create employment opportunities but also expand the internally generated revenue for the state. The project is expected to reduce transport and transaction costs while attracting various infrastructure and regional development initiatives.
Hon. Olugbenga Dairo, the Commissioner for Transportation in Ogun State, spoke with pressmen in Abeokuta, the state capital, providing insights into the government’s vision. He emphasized that the Dapo Abiodun administration is determined to position Ogun as Nigeria’s premier investment and business destination.
Dairo revealed that the federal government’s approval for the development of the dry port aligns with the strategic identification of the project in the state’s Multimodal Transportation Master Plan. The initiative was formulated in 2021 under the directive of Governor Dapo Abiodun, in collaboration with experts from Olabisi Onabanjo University and support from the United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office.
The commissioner highlighted the comprehensive nature of the Multimodal Transportation Master Plan, encompassing both an airport and a dry port. The airport is nearing completion, and concurrent efforts are underway to realize the development of the dry port. The proposed site has been strategically selected, situated near the NRC narrow and standard gauge rail lines, and benefiting from proximity to Lafarge and Dangote cement factories.
“We have got the Federal Government approval to develop, and we are not resting our oars on other processes towards this realization,” stated Dairo. He emphasized ongoing engagements with key stakeholders such as the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Nigeria Shippers Council, and the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC). Additionally, visits to the Nigeria Railway Corporation in Lagos and consultations with law enforcement agencies demonstrate the commitment to a seamless and successful project execution.
