French Investors Set Sights on Ogun Agro-Cargo Airport, Other Projects

Mr. Djebbari Jean-Baptiste, ormer French Minister of Transport, has expressed the interest of French investors in Ogun State's transport sector, particularly its agro-cargo airport.

Other investment prospects for the French delegation include the Dry Port, Olokola Sea Port, and the railway system, highlighting the state's expansive potential for transportation infrastructure.

Speaking with journalists after a private meeting with Governor Dapo Abiodun at the Oke-Mosan Governor’s Office in Abeokuta, Mr. Jean-Baptiste commended the state’s infrastructural development, particularly at the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport, which he described as an outstanding initiative.

“This is one of several discussions I’ve had with the governor over the years. Our conversation focused on aviation and transportation projects, especially the Gateway International Airport, the Dry Port, and related infrastructure," he noted.

The former minister added, "Many French operators in transportation, logistics, and aviation are interested in investing in Nigeria, and Ogun State stands out as a dynamic and reliable partner."

Mr. Jean-Baptiste disclosed that during a December meeting in France, coinciding with President Bola Tinubu's state visit to President Macron, he had proposed visiting Ogun State to explore opportunities in transportation and aviation.

During his two-day visit, Mr. Jean-Baptiste's team plans to tour the Gateway International Airport and assess the Dry Port, Sea Port, and railway system to identify areas for collaboration. He remarked, “Ogun State’s rapid growth and booming market demand make it an attractive destination for investment.”

Praising Governor Abiodun's visionary leadership, the former minister said, “The governor has assembled a competent team to execute his ambitious vision for the state. Over the past six years, the changes in Ogun State have been remarkable.”

A Multimodal Transport Master Plan

Governor Abiodun highlighted his administration’s commitment to developing a multimodal transport master plan to drive economic growth.

“We leveraged the federal government’s rail infrastructure to establish the Gateway International Airport, the Dry Port, and the upcoming seaport. This ensures cargo destined for Ogun and surrounding states can be efficiently transported via rail, reducing the strain on Tin Can and Apapa Ports and easing manufacturers’ logistics challenges,” the governor explained.

Providing updates on the airport's development, Governor Abiodun said, “Construction of the airport is nearly complete. The runway and control tower are 100% done, with all necessary equipment installed. The terminal building is about 90% completed, with final fittings underway. A temporary terminal building is also in place.”

He noted that commercial operations were delayed due to the pending installation of navigational equipment, such as runway lights. Nonetheless, he assured that the airport would be the best-equipped facility in Nigeria upon completion.

“The airport is part of an ecosystem we call our aerotropolis. It includes a Special Agro-Processing Zone and a Nigeria Customs and Excise Village to expedite customs processes and enhance efficiency,” he added.

Governor Abiodun emphasized that these projects align with the state's broader goal of transforming Ogun into a transportation and economic hub in Nigeria.