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Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun
French investors have shown interest in investing in Ogun State’s transport sector, with particular focus on the state’s Agro-Cargo Airport, Dry Port, Olokola Sea Port, and railway system.
This was revealed by a former French Minister of Transport, Djebbari Jean-Baptiste, during a two-day visit to the state.
Speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting with Governor Dapo Abiodun in Abeokuta on Wednesday, Jean-Baptiste highlighted Ogun’s dynamic development and infrastructural progress as key factors attracting French investors.
He said, “This is one of several meetings I have had with the governor over the years. We discussed aviation-related items, given that the state is developing the Gateway International Airport, the Dry Port, and other major infrastructural projects related to transport.
“We have many French operators involved in transportation, logistics, and aviation. There are many interested in investing in Nigeria and Ogun State because Ogun State is seen as a very dynamic and reliable partner.”
Jean-Baptiste noted that he had met the governor last December during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to President Macron in France and proposed exploring ways to contribute to Ogun State’s development in transport and aviation.
During his two-day visit, his team would tour the Gateway International Airport and assess opportunities regarding the Dry Port, the Sea Port, and the railway system, adding, “I can see your products are developing very quickly and booming, with high market demand driven by demography.”
Governor Abiodun informed his guests about the multimodal transport master plan developed by his administration to enhance transport systems and drive the state economy.
Abiodun stated, “We took advantage of the rail infrastructure that the Federal Government has invested in. This informed the development of our Gateway International Airport, Dry Port, and upcoming seaport.
“We believe cargo destined for Ogun State or other states around can be transported by train to Kajola for clearance. This will improve the efficiency of Tin Can and Apapa Ports and ease challenges faced by manufacturers here in the past.”
He added that the physical construction of the airport is complete, with the runway and control tower 100% finished and fully equipped. The terminal building is 90% completed, with fit-outs currently underway.
Abiodun explained that commercial operations would have started in the last quarter but were delayed by the non-installation of navigational equipment, such as runway lights. He emphasised that the aim is to make the Gateway International Airport the best-equipped in Nigeria.
“The airport is part of an ecosystem situated in what we call our aerotropolis. It includes a Special Agro-Processing Zone and a Nigeria Customs and Excise Village to ensure efficient processing by Customs and Excise,” Abiodun said.
