Minister Flags-Off Inland Dry  Port Project In Ogun Sate, Adopts Performance Management System

Describes development of inland dry ports across the country as part of a larger plan to improve connectivity between inland States and coastal areas…..

The  Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Friday  performed the groundbreaking ceremony of the Gateway Inland Dry Port (GIDP) with a non-negotiable charge to the Ogun State government and the concessionaire that the port should be built on international standards with capacity  of handling the demands of modern trade.

The Minister stating this at the flag-off for the Gateway Inland Dry Port (GIDP) at Papalanto, Ewekoro Local Government Area, Ogun State noted that during a recent visit to a logistics hub in Lagos, he observed firsthand the challenges businesses face due to congestion at our traditional seaports, which result in longer transport times and increased costs. This experience highlights the urgent need for developing inland ports like the Gateway  Inland Dry Port.

According to him, Inland Dry Ports provides faster and more efficient alternatives for moving goods, ultimately benefiting our economy and reducing the burden on our coastal seaports.

“This project is not merely about building infrastructure but about laying the foundation for a key logistics hub that will facilitate the movement of goods across Nigeria, creating over 5,000 direct jobs, 15,000 indirect jobs and stimulating local businesses,” Oyetola pointed out.

“The development of inland dry ports, like this one, is a critical component of our broader strategy to position Nigeria as a leading player in the Blue Economy. As we continue to diversify our economy, it is essential to create infrastructure that serves as key nodes in our supply chain, reducing our reliance on traditional seaports. This Inland Dry Port will enhance the efficiency of our logistics network, contributing to the decongestion of Apapa and Tin Can Ports and improving Nigeria’s trade competitiveness on the global stage.”

He further assured that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is actively working on policies to facilitate seamless port operations, including the automation of processes and the modernisation of infrastructure.

In addition, he confirmed that the Ministry will continue to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Works to prioritise road construction and upgrades, ensuring seamless connectivity to major economic centres. By extension, the ministry will also engage the Federal Ministry of Transportation so as to ensure the development of rail connectivity to link the Inland Dry Port with key industrial hubs, including the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge Railway.

“Let us also remember that the benefits of this dry port extend beyond just Ogun State; it is a project of national importance.

 The Inland Dry Port will reshape how we handle logistics and trade both within and outside Nigeria. With this facility, we are one step closer to positioning our nation as a continental leader in trade and logistics. ” Oyetola said.

Also speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, said the facility is a key enabler of industrial activity and manufacturing in Ogun State. It will, on completion, increase the ranking of the state on the ease of doing business index.

“Because of the rail line right here, containers destined for Ogun can be ferried to Kajola and, on arrival, loaded onto the train and transported to Shederu, Kajola. Our manufacturers will be able to bring in their raw materials without having to go through the hassle of going to Lagos Tin Can or Apapa Ports to clear and transport them whilst dealing with the attendant demurrage costs that add to their overall cost of production.

Abiodun assured that the groundbreaking event is not merely the foundation of a dry port, but the beginning of a new era of economic growth, job creation, and increased prosperity, emphasising that the project is a testament to the shared vision of prosperity and industrialisation that would transform the State into a leading logistics and commercial center, both in Nigeria and across West Africa.

 In another development, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy (FMM&BE) has embraced the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025 (FCSSIP 25) with the inauguration of the Core Performance Management Team (PMS) for the new Ministry.

The Permanent Secretary, FMM&BE, Oloruntola Olufemi inaugurating the Performance Management System (PMS) Champions team of the ministry, charged the drivers pooled from various departments to work with zeal  and commitment in achieving the Key Results Areas of this policy.

He recalled that the Performance Management System (PMS) is one of the Six (6) Pillars of FCSSIP2025, a Strategic Plan launched by the Office of Head of Service of the Federation (OHCSF) towards evolving the civil service into a professional, efficient and merit-based workforce.

To this end, the Permanent Secretary constituted the PMS Champions team of the FMBE to implement the Plan seamlessly.  He urged the Directors from all the Departments to cascade the policy to their staff, stressing that they must align themselves with the goals of Mr. President and the OHCSF in   actualising  the ideals of the plan.

“On  this day today, we launch our resolve to implement fully the Performance Management System (PMS), our team will ensure that the PMS becomes an integral part of our day to day work and our career progression.”

“Performance Management, as some people might think, is not Premium Motor Spirit, but it is, in fact, premium motor spirit. It is the fuel that will run what we do. It is not just a ritual, it is, in fact, the foundation and the fundamentals of how we do what we do.”

He challenged every staff member of the Ministry to play his or her role in the delivery process of nation building. The Permanent Secretary further pledged total commitment and support of his office to the task, adding that he will work with every team player in advancing the fortunes of the Ministry.

The Director Maritime Safety and Security, Mr Babatunde Bombata, noted that PMS is one of the reforms of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation that need to be cascaded from the hierarchy to the least staff of the Ministry. He maintained that PMS  requires the contribution of everyone in the chain of services.

On his part, the Director, Maritime Service Department, Mr. Babatunde Sule hinted that he was part of the committee that proposed the PMS to the Ministry of Transportation, adding that productivity and sets targets are seamlessly achieved when everyone does his or her job as at when due.

In her own contribution, the Director,  Planning Research and Statistics, Mrs. Ibrahim Kalthum Uwani pointed out the importance of the PMS to a healthy service delivery process. She also stated that the PMS as a policy has come to stay, urging the staff of the Ministry to key into it.