The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Akutah Pius Okeyima, has described the Gateway International Airport as a strategic infrastructure capable of addressing long-standing challenges associated with cargo movement within Nigeria and across the West African sub-region.

Dr. Akutah made the remark during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Council to the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, at the governor’s office in Oke-Mosan.

He expressed satisfaction with the pace of infrastructural development in the state, noting that the cargo airport would serve as a major hub for the movement of goods within Nigeria and across the West African region.

According to him, the airport represents a major milestone in strengthening the country’s transportation network and enhancing the efficient movement of goods.

“The state cargo airport is one of the critical infrastructure for transportation and for the movement of cargo in and out of Nigeria. Its commissioning and full utilisation will mark another important milestone in the development of cargo transportation infrastructure within and outside the country,” he said.

Dr. Akutah explained that cargo movement across West Africa has remained difficult largely due to the absence of a reliable intermodal transport system across the region. He, however, noted that the airport offers significant opportunities to improve logistics operations and facilitate trade across the sub-region.

He further described Ogun State as Nigeria’s industrial hub, stressing that efficient cargo transportation is critical for sustaining economic growth and industrial productivity.

The Shippers’ Council boss also commended the state government for developing two dry ports simultaneously, noting that both projects are progressing steadily.

He disclosed that the Council selected Ogun State as the host for the fourth edition of its retreat due to the favourable business environment created by the state government.

According to him, the retreat will provide a platform for stakeholders in the logistics and maritime sector to deliberate on key issues affecting cargo transportation and develop practical solutions.

“We have several issues to deliberate on for the progress of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council. One of our projects is located here in Ogun State. Our priority this year is to expand critical service infrastructure in Nigeria to ensure that cargo movement into and out of the country becomes faster and more efficient while also improving the ease of doing business,” he said.

Dr. Akutah also commended the rapid transformation taking place across the state, attributing the increasing influx of industries to the government’s commitment to infrastructure development and the creation of a business-friendly environment.

“Over the past two years that we have been visiting, there has been remarkable progress. The governor’s commitment to excellence is evident in the transformation taking place across the state,” he added.

In his remarks, Governor Dapo Abiodun revealed that the state government is also developing a Deep Sea Port project aimed at further boosting economic activities and strengthening Nigeria’s logistics value chain.

He noted that the project, when completed, would help ease congestion at the ports in Lagos while significantly improving cargo movement across the country.

Governor Abiodun commended the Nigerian Shippers’ Council for its role in facilitating efficient cargo movement through effective regulation, processing and handling of goods.

He urged members of the Council to utilise the retreat to explore new strategies that would further enhance the Council’s efficiency and service delivery.

The governor also appreciated the Council for selecting Ogun State as the venue for its retreat, reaffirming that his administration remains committed to providing a peaceful and conducive environment for residents, investors and businesses.

He assured the Council of the continued support of the Ogun State Government in its efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s logistics and maritime sector and improve cargo transportation across the country.