- Operators demand railway connection as NSC launches operational manual in Jos
As part of efforts to attain efficient dry port operations in Plateau State, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has sensitized port stakeholders and unveiled its operational manual for dry ports.
The Port Economic Regulator, Shippers’ Council launched the operational manual for the Inland Dry Ports project in Jos, Plateau State on Thursday.
Addressing stakeholders at the sensitization and official launching of the manual, the Executive Secretary of the Council, Barr. Akutah Pius, MON said that the Council’s commitment to dry port development is primarily to spread shipping services to the hinterlands.
Akutah, who was represented by Mrs. Ify Okolue, stressed that the Heipang Inland Dry ports like other projects will create employment opportunities for citizens and accrue substantial revenue to the government.
He was optimistic that with the efforts of host State government and key players, the Jos Inland Dry Port project would soon become a reality, even as he asserted that the facility is strategically located to serve not only the host state but the neighbouring states in the North Central Zone.
The NSC boss, however, posited that the Plateau State Investment & Property Development Company acquired Jos Inland Dry Port from Duncan Maritime Services Ltd in 2022, noting that with the new development the new concessionaires and the host State Government would drive the project.
The Chairman, Heipang Jos Inland Dry Port Resuscitation Committee, Isha Agwom Nyam called on the Federal Government to ensure rail connectivity to Heipang Inland Dry Port for the movement of agricultural products.
According to hm, the rail linkage to port will assist to reduce the cost of transportation and enhance the efficiency of the dry port.
In his address, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Murtfwang described the launching of the Inland Dry Port as a milestone considering the economic potential of the State
The Governor was represented by the Commissioner of Budget & Economic Planning, Hon Shrysantus Dawan.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Commerce, Hon. Musa Sule described Nigerian Shippers’ Council as a key partner in the development of Inland Dry Port project in the State.
Hon. Sule revealed that Plateau State is planning to build an international market which requires the establishment of Inland Dry port project.
Meanwhile, the Coordinator, North Central Zone of the Council, Alh. Ahmed Umar Yazzar, called on shippers and port stakeholders to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the Council through the dry port project.
The Managing Director/ CEO, Plateau State Investment & Property Development Company, Mr. Silas Liman, added that the development of the Inland Dry Port project is crucial to the state because of the existence of mining and mineral resources.
He expressed their readiness to partner with private sectors towards actualizing dry port project in the State.
In his submission, the former Director, Legal Services of the Council, Mr. Samuel Vongtau, noted that the dry port project is something that should not be taken with levity and urged the government to pay more attention to the development dry port projec in Plateau State.
