…as airport prepares to commence international hajj operations
Dr. Akutah Pius Okeyima, the Executive Secretary and CEO of the Nigeria Shippers’ Council has hailed the Gateway International Airport as a transformative piece of infrastructure capable of resolving long-standing bottlenecks in cargo movement across Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
The Shippers’ Council boss made this known when he paid a working visit to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.
According to Dr. Akutah, the facility represents a critical milestone in strengthening the nation’s transportation network and establishing a strategic hub for international trade.
This development is particularly vital given the current challenges facing cargo movement in West Africa due to the absence of an effective intermodal transport system.
By providing a seamless link for goods moving in and out of the country, the airport is expected to enhance the ease of doing business and support the economic growth of Ogun State, which remains Nigeria’s primary industrial hub.
The Nigeria Shippers’ Council also expressed its solidarity with these initiatives, choosing the state as the venue for its recent retreat to deliberate on further expanding critical transportation infrastructure.
In tandem with its cargo objectives, the Ogun State Government has intensified efforts to launch international passenger services, with plans to debut via Hajj flights to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Governor Dapo Abiodun has initiated high-level engagements with essential federal agencies including the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Nigeria Immigration Service, and Nigeria Customs Service to ensure the airport meets all regulatory and security requirements for international debuts.
These discussions, led by Capt. Dapo Olumide, focus on the deployment of specialized personnel and passenger processing systems necessary for global operations.
The facility is projected to complement the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in neighboring Lagos, providing a strategic alternative for travelers and investors while positioning Ogun State as an emerging leader in aviation-linked commerce.
The airport is part of a broader, deliberate infrastructure strategy that includes the simultaneous development of two dry ports and a planned Deep Sea Port.
Governor Abiodun noted that these combined projects will significantly accelerate economic growth by helping to decongest existing seaports and facilitating faster logistics across the country.
IWD: NIMASA DG hails Women’s role in driving Nigeria’s maritime innovation
In celebration of the 2026 International Women’s Day, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has hailed the indispensable impact of women on the growth of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Centered on the global theme “Give to Gain,” Dr. Mobereola emphasized that the industry’s current trajectory toward innovation and sustainable growth is a direct result of the expertise and resilience provided by its female workforce.
The Director General highlighted that the “Give to Gain” philosophy is mirrored in the daily professional contributions of women across diverse fields, including sea-going operations, technical departments, and high-level regulatory and administrative roles.
By delivering excellence in these specialized areas, women have enabled the sector to gain significant progress and modernize its operational framework.
Dr. Mobereola applauded the strength and leadership shown by women, noting that their dedication is the bedrock upon which a more competitive maritime industry is being built.
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment to gender equity, the NIMASA boss pledged to continue fostering an environment where every woman is empowered to lead and thrive within the blue economy.
This commitment aligns with the broader goals of International Women’s Day 2026, which advocates for investing in women through education, resources, and mentorship.