Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.
Former French Minister of Transport, Djebbari Jean-Baptiste, has expressed French investors’ growing interest in Ogun State’s transport sector, particularly the agro-cargo airport. Additional areas of focus include the Dry Port, the Olokola Sea Port, and the railway system.
Speaking after a closed-door meeting with Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun at the governor’s office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Jean-Baptiste praised the infrastructural progress at the Gateway International Airport. This, he noted, has sparked interest among French investors specializing in transportation, logistics, and aviation.
“This is one of several discussions I have had with the governor over the years. We’ve discussed aviation and transportation projects, including the Gateway International Airport and the Dry Port. French companies view Ogun State as a dynamic and reliable partner, and many are eager to invest here,” he said.
Jean-Baptiste also highlighted his meeting with Governor Abiodun in December during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to France, where he proposed collaborations to advance Ogun’s transport infrastructure. During his two-day visit, Jean-Baptiste’s team will evaluate opportunities at the airport, Dry Port, Sea Port, and railway system to align with the state’s fast-growing economy and booming market demand.
The former minister commended Governor Abiodun for his visionary leadership, stating, “The changes in Ogun over the past six years are massive and positive. The governor has assembled a capable team to drive the state’s development.”
Governor Abiodun shared his administration’s efforts to build a multimodal transport master plan aimed at boosting the state’s economy.
“We leveraged the federal government’s rail infrastructure to establish the Gateway International Airport, the Dry Port, and the upcoming seaport. These projects will ensure cargo destined for Ogun or nearby states can be efficiently transported and cleared, easing the burden on Apapa and Tin Can Ports,” the governor explained.
He added that construction on the Gateway International Airport is nearly complete, with the runway, control tower, and most terminal facilities ready. “Our goal is to make this the best-equipped airport in Nigeria, with a focus on efficiency and economic growth. The airport also features a Special Agro-Processing Zone and a Customs and Excise Village for swift cargo processing,” he said.
The governor assured that commercial operations would soon begin once navigational equipment, including runway lights, is installed.
