Gateway International Airport Key to Cargo Movement in Nigeria, West Africa

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Shippers’ Council, Dr. Akutah Pius Okeyima, has described the Gateway International Airport in Ogun State as a strategic infrastructure capable of transforming cargo movement within Nigeria and across the West African sub-region.

Dr. Akutah stated this during a courtesy visit by a delegation of officials from the Council to the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, at the Governor’s Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

According to him, the cargo airport represents a major milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s transportation and logistics network, particularly in addressing longstanding challenges associated with the movement of goods within the Country and across the region.

He noted that the development and eventual utilisation of the facility would significantly improve cargo handling capacity and facilitate seamless trade within West Africa and beyond.

“The State Cargo Airport is one of the critical infrastructure for transportation and the movement of cargo in and out of Nigeria. The commissioning and utilisation of this airport will mark another milestone in the development of infrastructure for cargo transportation within and outside the Country,” he said.

Dr. Akutah explained that cargo movement across West Africa remains challenging due to the absence of a robust intermodal transport system, adding that the Gateway International Airport offers enormous potential to ease these constraints and improve trade efficiency.

He further observed that Ogun State’s position as Nigeria’s industrial hub makes efficient cargo movement indispensable for economic growth and industrial productivity.

The Shippers’ Council boss also commended the Ogun State Government for the simultaneous development of two dry ports in the State, noting that the projects are progressing at an impressive pace and would play a crucial role in decongesting the Nation’s seaports.

Dr. Akutah added that the Council deliberately selected Ogun State as the host for the fourth edition of its retreat due to the state’s conducive business environment and strategic importance in Nigeria’s logistics ecosystem.

According to him, the retreat would provide an opportunity for members to deliberate on key operational issues affecting cargo movement and develop practical solutions to enhance service delivery.

“We have a lot to discuss for the progress of the Nigeria Shippers’ Council. We have several projects, and one of them is located here in Ogun State. Our focus this year is to expand critical infrastructure services in Nigeria to ensure faster cargo movement and improve the ease of doing business,” he said.

He described Ogun State as a reliable partner in the effort to decongest the nation’s seaports, particularly through the development of critical logistics infrastructure such as dry ports.

Dr. Akutah also praised the rapid pace of development across the state, attributing the increasing number of industries to the government’s deliberate investment in infrastructure and the creation of a conducive business environment.

“Within the last two years that we have been visiting, there has been remarkable progress. The governor is clearly committed to excellence, and his impact can be seen in the transformation taking place across the state,” he added.

In his remarks, Governor Dapo Abiodun revealed that the Ogun State Government is also developing a Deep Sea Port aimed at further accelerating economic growth and strengthening the state’s role in regional trade.

The Governor explained that the proposed port would help ease congestion currently experienced at Lagos ports while improving cargo movement across the Country upon completion.

He commended the Nigeria Shippers’ Council for its efforts in ensuring efficient cargo movement through effective regulation, processing, and logistics coordination.

Governor Abiodun urged participants at the retreat to use the opportunity to deliberate on strategies that would strengthen the Council’s operational efficiency and enhance its service delivery to stakeholders in the maritime and logistics sectors.

He also expressed appreciation to the Council for choosing Ogun State as the venue for its retreat, reiterating that his administration remains committed to sustaining a peaceful and business-friendly environment for investors, residents, and industries.

The Governor assured the Council of the continued support of the Ogun State Government in its efforts to improve cargo movement and strengthen Nigeria’s logistics and maritime sector.

Global Mirror News reports that the development of the Gateway International Airport and other logistics infrastructure in Ogun State is expected to significantly boost trade, enhance regional connectivity, and support Nigeria’s growing industrial base.