After about eight years of gestation, hope of commencement of physical construction at the Abia Inland Container Depot (ICD) was kindled last week as the federal government (represented by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council) and the concessionaire signed a memorandum of understanding on commencement of physical development of the ICD.
An obviously happy executive secretary of Shippers’ Council, Capt Adamu Biu expressed optimism that the ICD in Abia state would be the best and most viable among the six ICDs, adding that the ICD in Abia would be the first of such project in sub-Saharan Africa to meet international standard.
According to him, even though the project may not be easy to execute, “we’re ready to surmount all challenges”, he said at the event which was attended by the state’s deputy governor Mr Chris Akomas and the Chairman of the concessionaire; Eastgate Inland Terminal Limited, Mr. Bill Nkemdirim.
The Shippers’ Cpouncil boss said he was convinced that Eastgate Inland Terminal Limited has an infectious zeal to execute the project on time and according to stipulated standard.
On his part, the chairman of Eastgate Inland Terminal Limited expressed appreciation to the federal government for locating the ICD in the eastern part of the country.
“It is not an understatement to say that the Southeast needs the project more than others,” he said, adding that the ICD would act as a catalyst to engender all kind of development in Abia.
He equally expressed happiness that the project has kicked off after eight years of planning.
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