French investors have expressed strong interest in Ogun State’s transport sector, particularly in the development of the state’s Agro-Cargo Airport, Dry Port, Olokola Sea Port, and railway system.
This was revealed by Djebbari Jean-Baptiste, a former French Minister of Transport, during a two-day visit to Ogun State.
Speaking to journalists after a private meeting with Governor Dapo Abiodun in Abeokuta, Jean-Baptiste emphasized Ogun State’s impressive growth and infrastructure advancements as significant factors attracting foreign investment.
“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,” he said.
Jean-Baptiste further explained that many French companies operating in transportation, logistics, and aviation are keen on investing in Nigeria, particularly in Ogun State.
He described the state as “dynamic” and a “reliable partner” that continues to make strides in its infrastructural development.
Jean-Baptiste also noted that he had met with Governor Abiodun in December during President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to France, where they discussed ways to support Ogun’s growth, particularly in the transport and aviation sectors.
During his visit, Jean-Baptiste’s team toured the Gateway International Airport and assessed investment opportunities in the Dry Port, Sea Port, and railway systems.
He expressed confidence in the state’s growing economic prospects, observing that Ogun’s products are experiencing rapid development and high market demand, which is largely driven by the state’s demographic growth.
Governor Abiodun, in his briefing, provided details of the state’s multimodal transport master plan, which is designed to enhance the efficiency of Ogun’s transport systems and boost the state’s economy.
“We have leveraged the rail infrastructure invested in by the Federal Government, which has played a significant role in the development of our Gateway International Airport, Dry Port, and the upcoming seaport,” he explained.
Abiodun also highlighted how the multimodal transport approach would facilitate the movement of cargo, not just within Ogun but also to neighboring states.
He explained that cargo headed for Ogun and surrounding states could be transported by rail to the Kajola area for clearance, which would help improve the efficiency of the heavily congested Tin Can and Apapa Ports. This would, in turn, alleviate long-standing challenges faced by manufacturers in the region.
In terms of the Gateway International Airport, Governor Abiodun provided an update on its progress. He confirmed that the physical construction of the airport is complete, with both the runway and control tower finished and fully equipped. The terminal building is 90% completed, with the final stages of fit-outs underway.
While commercial operations were originally scheduled to begin in the last quarter of 2024, the timeline was delayed due to the pending installation of navigational equipment, including runway lights.
Abiodun reiterated that the aim is for the Gateway International Airport to be the most technologically advanced and well-equipped airport in Nigeria.
The airport is a central component of the state’s “aerotropolis,”an integrated ecosystem that includes a Special Agro-Processing Zone and a Nigeria Customs and Excise Village to streamline the processing of goods by Customs and Excise authorities.