The Federal Government has inaugurated a technical committee to assist in the implantation of the Kaduna dry port with the view to decongesting the sea ports.
The Federal Executive Council in March 2016 approved the establishment of Inland Container Depots (ICDs) in the country. The concept was predicted on the Public Private Partnership (PPP) using Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) model.
Inaugurating the committee on Thursday in Abuja, Rotimi Ameachi, minister of Transportation, said the dry port will among other things assist in the reduction of the cost of transiting cargo to landlocked neighbouring countries; improve turnaround time of ships and subsequently facilitate reduction of freight charges; act as a catalyst for improved trade flows as well as boost inland trading, revitalize export of agricultural produce thus leading to multi-product economy and creation of employment opportunities that would ultimately stem rural urban migration.
He commended the Nigerian Shippers’ Council management for facilitating the development of trucks stops termed “Truck Transit Parks” (TTP) which he said would act as catalyst for the successful operations of the Kaduna dry port.
“I understand that the pilot scheme is kick starting from Mararaba Jos, Kaduna state. I was also informed that the ICD and TTP projects were both conceived to facilitate efficient cargo delivery to our hinterland for importers and exporters, provide access to port services, stimulate economic development, boost export of agricultural commodity, provide employment opportunities and increase revenue generation to the state”.
He further expressed hope that at the end of the commttee’s assignment, it may be converted into a ministerisl standing committee to supervise and ensure full implementation of the ICD projects across the country.
The 17-man committee chaired by S. U. Galadanchi, the director maritime services in the federal ministry of Transportation and M.N Ozonweka as of the ministry has six months to submit its report.
