The Borno state governor Babagana Umara Zulum, has stated that the Maiduguri dry inland port will begin operations in six months.
Zulum made this known Wednesday in Lagos while addressing journalists after a courtesy call to the executive secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Pius Akutah.
The governor expressed confidence that the establishment of the NSC, while providing job opportunities to young people, would also boost the state’s economy.
He said: “Establishing the inland dry port in Maiduguri will bring many opportunities to the government and people of Borno state. It will generate employment, taking thousands of young children off the street. This is very important.
“Borno State shares a border with three countries, namely Niger, Chad and Cameroon. The inland dry port will enhance trans-border trade. This is what we are looking for. The relationship between our border countries will improve, the economy of the nation will grow very well, and our GDP will increase.
“We are trying to divert our attention from mono-economy, which is oil, by investing in other opportunities. I think Nigeria will be great soon.”
The governor stated, “The Federal Government is working to ensure rail lines are rehabilitated under President Bola Tinubu’s initiatives. They are in the process of rehabilitating all the roads, and thousands of trucks are entering Maiduguri daily.”
He noted, “Establishing a good road system will fast track the process. Even in the absence of rail, the efficiency and effectiveness of the road transportation system are okay for now for the inland dry port. “We expect the project to be ready in six months.”
On his part, the executive secretary of NSC, Pius Akutah stated that if established, the Maiduguri Dry Inland Port would boost trans-border trade, considering that Borno is neighbouring three countries of Cameroon, Chad and Niger Republics.