The Edo Government on Thursday in Benin signed a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with AMES-Edo,
promoters of the AMES-Edo Inland Container Dry Port.
Gov. Godwin Obaseki, in his remarks shortly after signing the document commended the AMES-Edo
management for the Progress made on the project.
CEO, AMES-EDO on Thursday in Benin
Represented by Mr Osarodion Ogie, the Secretary to the Edo Government, Obaseki said that as a
government, he had no doubt that the project would succeed.
He noted that he and his cabinet members were in a hurry because as political office holders,
everyday mattered to them.
“So we want a situation where the project is completed as soon as possible.
“We thank you for believing in us and bringing the project to Edo.
“The last time we came for inspection at the project site, we promised that as a state government
we were going to do something about the road.
“I can confirm that the design for the road has been done, and we will also get in touch with
PRESCO oil to finance the construction of the road.
“Very soon the contract will be awarded”, he said.
In his remarks, Dr Charles Akhigbe, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AMES-Edo, disclosed that the
AMES-Edo Inland Container Depot Limited, otherwise known as Edo Inland Dry Port, is the first dry
port in the South-South region situated in Benin.
Akhigbe said that the Dry Port which, already about 70 per cent completed, with a 20,000 TEU
facility was being developed as a private investment with the direct intention to place Edo on
the global shipping map.
He noted that Edo had been a historical destination for trade and commerce for hundreds of years.
He added that the primary purpose of the Edo Inland Dry Port was to bring port activities closer
to industries, manufacturers, individual importers/exporters.
“With the gradual realisation of the AMES-Edo Inland dry port as a port of origin and
destination, importers and exporters do not need to go to Lagos, Warri, Koko or Onne anymore.
“This is because you can directly consign your cargo to and from the Edo dry port from wherever
port abroad you may wish to ship from or to.
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“Edo is lucky to be on the ECOWAS international trade route which commences from Abidjan through
Cotonou – Lagos – Ore-Benin and terminates at Lokoja.
“With the state as the arterial logistics hub of the nation, the development of the Edo Inland
Dry Port and truck transit park becomes a critical transport infrastructure that is designed to
converge local and international businesses in Edo,” he said.
The CEO also said that as a future Customs port, the Edo Inland Dry Port would operate according
to the customs and excise laws facilitating trade and ensuring revenue collection.
“Edo Inland Dry Port as a terminal operator would ensure efficient cargo handling, facilities
management, provision of cold storage facilities and other handling equipment to ensure topmost
operational and cost efficiency.
“As you are aware, the Federal government through the Federal Ministry of Transportation last
year September 2020 granted Edo Inland Dry Port approval-in-principle as a port of origin and
destination to attract foreign investors.
“We are grateful to the Edo Government and the Federal Government for facilitating this approval.
“With today’s signing of this JVA the framework for the investment into the project by EDSG on
behalf of the people as part equity owners of the project has been formalised.
“Edo citizens have now become part owners of the inland dry port.
“Edo citizens and Nigerians from all walks of life now have a great opportunity to participate
and be engaged in international trading, commercial import and export activities of both raw and
processed agricultural products, solid minerals and many more.
“Importers can consign their cargo directly to arrive in Edo.”
Akhigbe further said that the development couldn’t have happened without the express approval the
Edo Governor, who encouraged the project from inception and gave it all the tacit backings to
succeed.
“His Excellency has continued to demonstrate to the whole world his long-avowed mantra that he is
here to support the private sector to succeed and grow sustainably.
“He has given all approvals as required to achieve the purpose of the Edo Inland Dry Port.
“We sincerely thank His Royal Majesty, Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, who received us at his palace
and gave us and the project his full royal blessings.
“Our great Oba has continued to encourage us all the way.’’
Akhigbe also commended the Edo SSG, Mr Osarodion Ogie, for giving the ICD/TTP Edo implementation
committee the total support and enabling environment to operate.
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