President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of Inland Dry Ports (IDPs) in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, and Moniya, Oyo State, as part of efforts to decongest Lagos seaports, eliminate delays, and stimulate economic growth.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this during the 2025 Budget Defence session with the Joint Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives on maritime and transport matters. According to the minister, the IDPs will create job opportunities for the youth in Ogun and Oyo States and neighboring areas.

Oyetola emphasized that the IDPs are being developed under a fast-tracked delivery plan to address the chronic congestion in Lagos’s Western Port System. Design consultations for the projects are already underway.

Beyond the IDPs, the ministry aims to tackle broader deficiencies in Nigeria’s maritime sector, including infrastructure decay, silted river channels, inadequate fish production, and outdated rivercraft. The minister noted that the Federal Government is committed to improving maritime safety, increasing fish production, and deploying advanced technology to enhance operations and revenue generation.

The ministry has finalized critical policy documents, including Nigeria’s National Blue Economy Strategy, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, and a Strategic Roadmap for the Blue Economy. These frameworks aim to establish a solid foundation for sustainable growth in the sector.

Under the 2024 budget, the ministry was allocated N10.85 billion for capital projects, of which N9.97 billion was utilized by December 2024. A balance of N874.7 million will be spent in the first quarter of 2025. Additionally, N191 million was earmarked for overhead expenses, which were fully expended.

For 2025, the proposed budget includes N11.77 billion for capital projects and N453.85 million for overhead costs. The minister appealed for increased funding, describing the current allocations as inadequate for the ambitious goals of the ministry.

To address safety concerns on waterways, the ministry plans to distribute life jackets to riverine communities and replace old wooden boats with standardized crafts. Capital dredging projects at major river locations are also scheduled for 2025 to improve navigability and safety.

The ministry is initiating significant projects to boost fish production in 2025, tying these efforts to government capital budgets to ensure timely delivery and enhance food security.

Oyetola expressed gratitude to the legislative committees for their support and urged them to consider the pressing needs of the ministry. He reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the blue economy and unlocking its full potential for national development.

“Quantum investment through the capital budget is necessary for the ministry to deliver on its lofty mandate and potential. Greater budgetary provision is therefore advocated,” the minister concluded.

The Inland Dry Ports and other initiatives under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy are expected to address longstanding challenges in Nigeria’s maritime and transportation sectors, fostering economic growth and improving operational efficiency nationwide.