Residents of Erunmu in Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State have renewed calls for the federal government and investors to revive the long-abandoned Ibadan Dry Port project, which has remained dormant for over 17 years despite the community’s sacrifices.
Speaking with Ibadancity Announcer, Mr. Ademola Adewole, a worker at the Ibadan Dry Port and secretary of the project’s committee, revealed that the port was initially planned for Olodo but was relocated to Erunmu due to land constraints. He stated that community members gave up 121.160 hectares of farmland for the project without compensation, except for displaced farmers who received payments.
“The dry port belongs to the Western states, but the federal government owns the land. It was moved to Erunmu from Olodo because of land issues. Families in this community gave up their lands to the government without collecting a dime, only the farmers were compensated,” Adewole stated.
The project, initiated during the tenure of Governor Rashidi Ladoja and President Olusegun Obasanjo, was concessioned to Catamaran Logistics and Lighthouse Marine for 25 years, after which it was to return to the government. However, Adewole noted that political instability, particularly Oba Ladoja’s impeachment, led to the project being stalled.
“For years, we have been pleading with the government, writing letters to Abuja, asking them to revive the project. The way it has been neglected is disheartening,” he said.
Adewole further revealed that despite the project’s stagnation, five workers are currently employed at the site and are being paid by Catamaran Logistics. However, he questioned the purpose of keeping workers at a facility that remains undeveloped and non-operational.
He stressed that if completed, the dry port would create employment opportunities, boost trade, and drive economic growth in the region. He also emphasized the importance of railway connectivity to the facility, which would enhance cargo movement.
“The government should do the needful by ensuring the railway reaches the dry port. Investors also need to take action. The community has done its part by giving land, but it feels like we gave it up for nothing. Some of those who sacrificed their lands have even passed away,” he lamented.
The affected families, including the Adeyele, Adekola, and Fatai families, are still awaiting tangible progress.
Despite the prolonged delay, the federal government recently reaffirmed its commitment to the project. In May 2024, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Mr. Pius Akutah, visited the Erunmu site and acknowledged its potential to ease congestion at the seaports and drive regional economic development. The Oyo State Government has also taken steps to clear land compensation issues in other proposed sites for the project.
However, the Erunmu community insists that the project should be completed at its original location, in recognition of the sacrifices made by its people.
With increasing pressure from the community, all eyes are now on the government and investors to see if the long-overdue Ibadan Dry Port will finally become a reality or remain a mirage.
