Nigeria has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Niger and Chad Republics in a landmark move to enhance regional trade and integration towards utilising the Funtua Inland Dry Port for import and export activities.
This development is set to position Funtua as a critical hub for regional commerce, reducing logistical challenges and promoting economic growth across borders.
Chairman of Funtua Inland Dry Port, Dr. Umar Mutallab, represented by Alhaji Tijjani Dandutse, disclosed this during the official commencement of operations at the facility.
He highlighted the strategic importance of the port, which aims to streamline trade routes and provide a faster, more efficient alternative for regional goods movement.
“We have gone to market this place in Niger and Chad Republics, and we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that all their import and export will come through Funtua,” Dr. Mutallab said.
He added that the Port’s operations would significantly reduce the time it takes for goods from Niger to reach their destinations, cutting down the three-month journey via Lome, Togo, Burkina Faso, and Mali to just weeks.
The Nigerian Shippers Council, which spearheaded the establishment of the port, expressed optimism about the collaboration.
Represented by the Director of the North/West Coordinating Office, Hajiya Kareematu Usman, the Council emphasised the potential of the Funtua Dry Port to boost regional trade and create economic opportunities for communities in Nigeria and its neighboring countries.
“Shippers Council is just like a mother that got pregnant and gave birth to the inland dry ports, and today is a happy day for us,” Hajiya Usman stated.
She encouraged stakeholders, particularly the youths, to explore business opportunities created by the port.
The Customs Comptroller for Katsina State, Idris Abba Aji, commended the readiness of the port’s infrastructure, assuring merchants of safe and secure handling of goods.
He urged exporters and importers to adhere to laid-down rules to ensure smooth operations.
Managing Director of the port, Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Dodo also expressed confidence in the port’s capacity to handle regional trade. “As people can see, we have started receiving goods from Lagos. We are expecting many more to come in no distant time,” he said.
The agreement with Niger and Chad is expected to drive increased patronage of the Funtua Inland Dry Port, attract investments, and foster stronger economic ties within the region.
With its strategic location and improved logistics, the port is poised to become a hub for regional trade and development.
