By Oluyinka Onigbinde
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has taken a significant step towards the realization of the Gateway Inland Dry Port project in Ogun State.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the NSC, Barr. Akutah Pius, presented the Certificate of Compliance for the project’s Outline Business Case (OBC) to the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.
During the presentation at the Ogun State Government House, Barr. Akutah commended Governor Abiodun for his unwavering commitment to the development of the dry port.
He explained that the project would bring shipping services closer to the hinterlands, benefiting shippers in Ogun State and beyond.
The NSC boss also emphasized the need for advanced technologies and automation at the ports, stressing that reducing human traffic would enhance operational efficiency. He noted that the council’s collaboration with the Ogun State Government extends beyond the dry port, including the Vehicle Transit Area (VTA) project, which aims to improve logistics in the region.
Barr. Akutah expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for establishing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, which aligns with the national goal of diversifying the economy from oil to non-oil sectors.
He also commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, for his steadfast support of the dry port project and other initiatives to strengthen the maritime industry.
Speaking on the NSC’s ongoing legislative efforts, Barr. Akutah highlighted the council’s proposed bill to transform the Nigerian Shippers’ Council into the Nigerian Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency.
He revealed that the bill has passed through both the House of Representatives and the Senate, noting that once signed into law, it would enhance port efficiency and position Nigeria as a regional maritime hub. He urged stakeholders to support the council’s aspiration to achieve this landmark transformation.
In response, Governor Dapo Abiodun expressed appreciation to Barr. Akutah and his team for their dedication to the Gateway Inland Dry Port project.
The governor lauded President Tinubu for appointing a technocrat to lead the NSC, citing Barr. Akutah’s achievements within a short period of his appointment, including the groundbreaking ceremony for the dry port at Papalanto in Ewekoro Local Government Area.
Governor Abiodun reiterated the importance of the dry port to Ogun State, describing it as a critical infrastructure for the state’s industrial growth. He noted that Ogun, as Nigeria’s industrial hub, is home to numerous manufacturers who would greatly benefit from the dry port’s services. He also pointed out that the project would help decongest the ports in Lagos, providing a seamless alternative for cargo movement.
The governor pledged his administration’s support for the NSC’s bill and expressed optimism that President Tinubu would sign it into law, solidifying the council’s role in transforming Nigeria’s maritime sector.
