President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday commissioned the Funtua Inland Dry port in Katsina state to expand the country’s economy through non oil exports.
Represented by the Secretary to the federal government, Dr. George Akume, Tinubu explained that the port, strategically located in Funtua, Katsina State, is the third to be completed and commissioned among the six legacy Inland Dry Port projects spread across our nation’s six geo-political zones.
“It is imperative to acknowledge the long-awaited anticipation from our hinterland business communities for such essential facilities. The Funtua Inland Dry Port holds immense potentials to enhance the ease of conducting international business for interior-based shippers, both importers and exporters.
“In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of my Administration, this development aligns with our commitment to diversify the economy towards non-oil exports”.
Tinubu explained that the concept of Inland Dry Ports has gained prominence globally, particularly with the container revolution and the advent of door-to-door cargo delivery.
“This Port grants importers and exporters located within our inland cities, as well as neighbouring hinterland countries such as Niger, Chad, Northern Cameroon, and Central Africa, access to shipping and port services without the need to physically visit seaports.
“Moreover, the Funtua Inland Dry Port offers importers the convenience of processing cargo clearance and receiving raw materials and machinery closer to their places of business. For exporters, it provides essential facilities for processing, packaging, consolidating, and forwarding exports worldwide.
“This infrastructure is integral to our Administration’s commitment to promoting export business across Nigeria, thereby achieving trade balance and creating employment opportunities for our youths” he stated.
The President reaffirmed that recognizing the vital role of Inland Dry Ports lines in connecting sea ports to the hinterlands, “I reaffirm our Administration’s commitment to prioritizing the completion and utilization of more dry port projects. The critical infrastructure necessary for the seamless operation of Inland Dry Ports are being targeted.
Also speaking, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Oyetola Adegboyega stated that the State has been ranked in agricultural products and in other businesses in the country, such as the largest producer of cotton, second largest producer of sorghum, produces 13% of Nigeria’s sugarcane, placing it in second place in Nigeria as well as other cereals and legume crops.
