The Nassarawa State Government has expressed willingness to partner with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) to facilitate the establishment of an Inland Dry Port (IDP) in the State.
Pius Akutah, executive secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, disclosed this after a closed-door meeting with Abdullahi Sule, governor of Nassarawa State.
Akutah, who briefed newsmen after the meeting at the weekend, said the Governor has already issued directives on how the project can be actualised for the benefit of shippers in the state.
He further disclosed that the State Governor has directed the Attorney General of Nassarawa State to meet with the management of the Nassarawa Investment Agency to actualise the aspiration.
According to him, Nassarwa State produces a large volume of sesame seed which necessitates the establishment of an Inland Dry Port in the State.
The NSC boss said the State Government is planning to visit the Nigerian Shippers’ Council as part of the efforts to fast-track the development of the Inland Dry Port project in the State.
He said that Nasarrawa State is an advocate of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA ), and would ensure awareness creation in respect of the importance of the trade agreement for exporters in the state.
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council as the port’s economic regulator, also facilitates the development of Inland Dry Port projects in the six geopolitical zones of the country.
The idea is to bring shipping facilities nearer to the hinterlands as well as decongest the seaports.
Akutah, however, believes that the dry ports project in many parts of the country will boost employment opportunities for Nigerians and increase substantial revenue generation for the government.
