By; ARCHIBONG ESUENE, Makurdi
Nasarawa State Government has expressed willingness to partner with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) to facilitate the establishment of Inland Dry Port (IDP) in the state to enhance its socio economic development.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barr.Pius Ukeyima Akutah, disclosed this after a closed door meeting with the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule.
The Akutah who briefed newsmen after the meeting in Lafia, said the governor has already issued directives on how the project can be actualized for the benefit of the state.
The NSC Chief Executive Officer further disclosed that the State Governor has directed the Hon. Attorney General of Nasarawa State (Barr. Labaran Magaji) to coordinate and meet with the management of the Nasarawa Investment Agency to actualize the aspiration.
According to him, Nasarawa State produces a large volume of sesame seed which necessitates the advocacy drive and establishment of the Inland Dry Port in the state. The NSC boss said that 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 also stressed that Nasarawa State is an advocate of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA ), and would partner with NSC to ensure awareness creation in respect of the importance of the trade agreement for exporters in the state.
It would be recalled that Nigerian Shippers’ Council as the ports economic regulator also champion awarenesses creation for its stakeholders and facilitates the development of Inland Dry Port projects in the six-geo political zones of the country. The idea is to bring shipping facilities nearer to the hinterlands as well as decongest the seaports. The Chief Executive Officer of the NSC, Akutah 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.
