The Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) says when the Jos Inland Dry Port is fully-completed and in operation it will bridge the gaps in shipping services and boost revenue generation in the North-Central.
Mr Pius Akutah, the Executive Secretary of the Council, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
Akutah said the Federal Government’s plans under the President Tinubu’s led administration to complete the inland dry port projects in Heipang, Plateau State.
“The Jos Inland Dry Port project when fully in operation, will bring shipping services closer to shippers in the hinterlands.
“It will also boost individual exports businesses, generate revenue for the North Central region and the Federal Government,” he said.
Akutah said that the critical role of maritime logistics in the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), highlighting the need for seamless cargo movement across African countries.
He pledged the council’s commitment to the project and sort collaboration with the Plateau State Government to accelerate the development of the inland dry port project.
He said that the council was in partnership with the Ministry of Transportation to enhance rail connectivity to ports.
The Plateau State Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, Hon. Salisu Mohammed, has assured that the dry port will soon be completed.
The commissioner said that the State Government is in talks with an investor to partner and facilitate the take-off of the dry port.
In an interactive session with stakeholders after the visit to the site, Dr Akutah emphasized the critical role of maritime logistics in the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), highlighting the need for seamless cargo movement across African countries.
Dr. Akutah informed the Council’s collaboration with the Plateau State Government to accelerate the development of the Inland Dry Port project and its partnership with the Ministry of Transportation to enhance rail connectivity to ports.
Stakeholders, including the Managing Director of Plateau Investment and Property Development Company, the National Vice President of the National Shippers’ Association of Nigeria, and the Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Plateau State, expressed support for the project, citing its potential to boost export business and economic growth in the region.
