Nasarawa State, Shippers’ Council partner on Inland Dry Port Project

The 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.

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barr.Pius Akutah, disclosed this after a closed door meeting with the   Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule.

Akutah who briefed journalists after the meeting on Saturday hinted that the Governor has already issued directives on how the project can be actualised for the benefit of shippers in the state.

The NSC Chief Executive Officer further disclosed that  the State Governor has directed the Attorney General of Nasarawa State to meet with the  management of the Nasarawa Investment Agency to actualise the aspiration.

According to him,  Nasarawa State produces a large volume of sesame seeds which necessitates the 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  ensure awareness creation in respect of  the importance of the trade agreement for exporters  in the state.

It would be recalled that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council as the ports economic regulator also 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.