LIVE UPDATES
Maritime stakeholders have expressed their appreciation for the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) following its announcement of the planned establishment of an Inland Dry Port in Nasarawa State.
Rotimi Hassan, the Managing Director of Kaduna Inland Dry Port, commended the NSC for the initiative, describing it as a positive step by the government. However, he advised a thorough examination of existing dry ports to address challenges and optimize performance. Hassan emphasized the importance of dry ports serving as both ports of origin and destination, facilitating exports to other ports and direct consignment reception.
Nnadi Ugochukwu, the Vice President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, also endorsed the move, stating, "It is a move in the right direction, but the unfortunate thing is that we have so many bonded terminals that are being starved of cargoes. But in summary, it is a welcomed development."
The NSC had previously facilitated Inland Dry Port (IDP) projects in various states, including Isiala Ngwa in Aba, Erunmu in Ibadan, Heipang in Jos, Zawachiki in Kano, Zamfarawa in Funtua (Katsina), Jauri in Maiduguri, and ICNL in Kaduna State. The aim of these projects is to bring shipping facilities closer to the hinterlands and alleviate congestion at seaports.
The Nasarawa State Government has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the NSC for the establishment of an IDP in the state. The Executive Secretary and CEO of NSC, Pius Akutah, revealed this after a meeting with the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule. Akutah disclosed that the governor had issued directives for the realization of the project, with the Attorney General of Nasarawa State, Labaran Magaji, coordinating efforts.
According to Akutah, Nasarawa State, a significant producer of sesame seeds, is an ideal location for an Inland Dry Port. The governor's directives include coordinating a team from the Nasarawa Investment Agency to work with the NSC and expedite the project.
Emphasizing the state's advocacy for the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement, Akutah highlighted the importance of creating awareness about the trade agreement's benefits for exporters in Nasarawa State. He concluded by stating that the development of dry ports across the country would contribute to job creation and substantial revenue generation for the government.
