As part of efforts to take shipping services closer to the hinterlands, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has initiated a partnership with the Nassarawa State Government to facilitate the establishment of an Inland Dry Port (IDP) in the State.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NSC, Barr.Pius Akutah, disclosed this after a closed door meeting with the Executive Governor of Nassarawa State, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule.
Akutah, who briefed newsmen after the meeting at the weekend, noted that the Governor has issued directives on how the project can be actualized for the benefit of shippers in the state.
The NSC boss further disclosed that the State Governor directed the Attorney General of Nassarawa State to meet with the management of the Nassarawa Investment Agency to actualize the aspiration.
According to him, Nassarwa State produces a large volume of sesame seed which necessitates the establishment of the Inland Dry Port in the State.
The NSC Chief Executive revealed that the State Government is planning to visit the Council’s headquarters as part of the efforts to fast-track the development of the dry port project in the State.
He also stressed that Nasarrawa 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 Nigerian Shippers’ Council, as the ports economic regulator, also facilitates the development of Inland Dry Port projects in the six-geo political zones of the country.
The idea is to bring shipping facilities nearer to the hinterlands as well as decongest the seaports.
NSC revealed this information in a press statement signed by Rebecca Adamu, Assistant Director, Public Relations department.