French Investors Eye Opportunities in Ogun State’s Agro-Cargo Airport
Segun Ayinde, Abeokuta
Former French Transport Minister, Djebbari Jean-Baptiste, has revealed plans by French investors to explore investment opportunities in Ogun State’s transport sector, particularly in the agro-cargo airport.
Jean-Baptiste, speaking after a closed-door meeting with Governor Dapo Abiodun at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, expressed enthusiasm about the infrastructural advancements at the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport and other projects.
He noted French interest in other key infrastructure, including the Dry Port, Olokola Sea Port, and the state’s railway system.
“This is one of several meetings I have had with the governor over the years,” Jean-Baptiste said. “We discussed aviation-related projects because Ogun State is developing the Gateway International Airport, the Dry Port, and other major transport infrastructure.
“We have many French operators in transportation, logistics, and aviation keen to invest in Ogun State, which is seen as a dynamic and reliable partner.”
Jean-Baptiste recalled meeting Governor Abiodun last December during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to President Emmanuel Macron in France, where further collaboration was proposed.
During his two-day visit, he and his team will tour the Gateway International Airport and assess opportunities in the Dry Port, Sea Port, and railway system. He described Ogun State’s burgeoning market as highly attractive due to its rapid development and growing demand.
Governor Abiodun outlined his administration’s comprehensive multimodal transport master plan aimed at boosting the state’s economy through efficient transportation systems.
He highlighted the strategic integration of the state’s infrastructure with federal rail systems, saying, “Our Gateway International Airport, Dry Port, and upcoming seaport have been designed to leverage the federal government’s rail investments. This will create a seamless supply chain, ease congestion at Tin Can and Apapa Ports, and address manufacturers’ past challenges.”
The governor also provided an update on the airport’s progress:
“Our airport’s physical construction is complete—the runway and control tower are 100% ready, with all equipment installed. The terminal building is about 90% complete, and we have a temporary terminal in place.
“Commercial operations would have started last quarter, but for the delayed installation of navigational equipment like runway lights. However, our goal is to make this the best-equipped airport in Nigeria.”
Governor Abiodun emphasized the airport’s role as part of an ecosystem within an aerotropolis, which includes a Special Agro-Processing Zone and a Nigeria Customs and Excise Village for fast-tracked processing.
Jean-Baptiste lauded the governor’s vision and achievements, stating, “Governor Abiodun has assembled a strong team to realize his transformative vision for Ogun State. The changes over the past six years have been massive and positive.”
The collaboration between Ogun State and French investors signals a promising step toward enhancing the state’s transport and logistics infrastructure, positioning it as a regional economic hub.