Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi has announced the completion of the National Freight Office (NFO) in Illela, Sokoto State.
Amaechi disclosed this in a statement issued by Mr Eric Ojiekwe, Director of Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Transportation, in Abuja on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that the statement was issued after the Executive session of the 16th National Council on Transportation held in Kano.
The Minister lauded the different departments and Agencies in the Ministry for working assiduously in their various areas to achieve success in all programmes and projects they embarked upon.
He said the NFOs in Jibiya, Katsina, and Idiroko in Ogun State are also nearing completion.
He recognised the achievements made by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), including the take-off of the Deep Blue project, with all assets, vessels, aircraft and other gadgets acquired.
He also recognised the achievements in the rail sector, efforts of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), particularly with the Lekki deep seaport and efforts in decongesting Apapa Port.
Amaechi, however, expressed displeasure that the contractor handling Lekki deep seaport had asked for more time to complete the project which was earlier slated to be completed by the end of 2021.
He said, “I have given them (contractor) until December 2022 to deliver the project for commissioning.
“The NPA should follow up on this and make sure we meet that target.”
He also mentioned achievements by the Nigerian Shippers Council, especially on the establishment of Dry Ports across the country.
He expressed satisfaction that the work at Dala Inland Dry Port was progressing, as well as the primary school he mandated the contractor to build in the area.
“The last time I visited the site many children were following us all the way into the Dala Dry port.
“Those were obviously out of school children, and I asked the contractor to build a primary school there and offer free education to the children in that area.
“The Permanent Secretary has briefed me that the school is now under construction.
“When we come for commissioning, we will commission both the school and the dry port.”
“It is not enough to commission the school; so, we will not commission the dry port nor the school, except we see teachers and the children in the school.
“The last time I was there, the contractor assured me that it will be completed by December,” Amaechi said.
The Minister urged all sectors to work toward attracting private investors (local and foreign), to fast-track the growth of the nation’s economy and close the transport infrastructure gaps in the country.
He thanked the Kano state government for the magnanimity in hosting the 2021 National Council on Transportation.
Amaechi earlier paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Kano, His Highness, Aminu Ado Bayero, who acknowledged the Minister’s development strides and prayed for more successes.
“I regard you as a brother and appreciate all your efforts in the Ministry of Transportation to reposition Nigeria. You make promises and deliver on them.
“You have fulfilled your promises to us, whatever you’re doing now is an added advantage to the promises already fulfilled.
“The emirate will continue to pray for you to continue your good work to make Nigeria great again,” the Emir said.
Bayero also prayed for the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to succeed in all its endeavours.