To facilitate seamless export out of the country, the Nasarawa State Government has expressed willingness to partner with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) for the establishment of an Inland Dry Port (IDP) in the state.
Speaking after a closed-door meeting with the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, the executive secretary of the council, Barr. Pius Akutah, said that the governor has issued directives on how the project can be actualised for the benefit of shippers’ in the state.
In a press statement by the assistant director, Public Relations, Rebecca Adamu, the Shippers’ Council boss stated that dry ports projects in many parts of the country would boost employment opportunities for Nigerians and increase substantial revenue generation for the government.
Akutah stated that the state governor 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 produces a large volume of sesame seed which necessitated the establishment of the Inland Dry Port in the state.
The NSC boss further stated that the state government is planning to visit the 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.
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council as the ports’ economic regulator also facilitated 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.
