The Nasarawa state government said it is willing to partner with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) to facilitate the establishment of Inland Dry Port (IDP) in the state as part of government’s determination to increase the inflow of business activities that will bring employment to its teaming young population.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, told journalists after a closed door meeting with the state governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule that the governor had already issued directives on how the project could be actualised for the benefit of shippers in the state.
The NSC Chief Executive Officer further disclosed that the state’s Attorney General has been directed to meet with the management of the Nasarawa Investment Agency to actualise the aspiration.
Mr. Akutah affirmed that the state produces a large volume of sesame seed which necessitates the establishment of the Inland Dry Port there.
The NSC boss added that arrangements are being put in place by the state for a visit to the corporate headquarters of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council as part of the efforts to fast-track the development of the Inland Dry Port project.
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, being the ports economic regulator has facilitated the development of Inland Dry Port projects in the six-geo political zones of the country.
The agency explained that the idea is to bring shipping facilities nearer to the hinterlands as well as decongest the seaports.
