The Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) has assured that it would encourage the recently- commissioned Onitsha River port to provide the expected succour to the Nigerian shippers, particularly those in the South east.
The NSC Executive Secretary, Capt. Adamu Biu who gave the assurance recently while speaking on the river port, said he was particularly glad that the Onitsha River Port would also assist in further reduction of cost of cargo clearing in the area.
The Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) has assured that it would encourage the recently- commissioned Onitsha River port to provide the expected succour to the Nigerian shippers, particularly those in the South east.
The NSC Executive Secretary, Capt. Adamu Biu who gave the assurance recently while speaking on the river port, said he was particularly glad that the Onitsha River Port would also assist in further reduction of cost of cargo clearing in the area.
“For a start, I made the Shippers’ associations in Anambra State and the South east to be all present at the commissioning” he highlighted, pointing out that the operation of the port’s facility would tinker favourably, with the cost of cargo clearing in the South-east.
“As this port takes off and people clear their goods there, it would automatically translate into a significant reduction of ports system’s clearing process”, he noted, explaining that the facility would ensure that most traders in the South east, especially those without the capacity to go to Lagos, Port Harcourt, or Warri could henceforth operate from Onitsha, even at cheaper cost.
“The market is there. The Government of Anambra State has also reminded us of what we know: that the port of Onitsha is the commercial hub in the sub region of West Africa .
“In fact, this also brings in the issue of Inland Container Depots to focus. Because from here, they will now transport hundreds of containers to the ICDs and it is just adding value to the transport industry, if you ask me”, he said, indicating that with hands on deck, and full dedication, the river port would effectively consummate the dreams of the Federal Government to create a platform for boosting the economy and employment of the people in the area.
He praised the Federal Government for the will to dredge the port and commission the port there, adding that what was only needed to consummate the dream was for the barges to be provided.
“It is the commercial users that will have to provide barges, because barges must be provided for transportation of hundreds of containers of goods to the bonded terminals. People must see the value of providing barges. And when you do that, you are creating jobs. You are creating jobs because people must man these barges”, he said, asking the Nigerian media to assist the economy, by providing the desired awareness.
Calling for greater awareness for the new port, Capt Biu said that,“the media must assist in creating awareness. The awareness part of it is a job for all of us, especially the media. The media must assist to sensitize the general public; tell them there is avenue for investment in this project, that Government is creating investment avenues.
“If I have the money, personally, I would have gone into barge business, because I know this facility is for opening of opportunity for investments… that is what we must not lose sight of.
“It is one thing to criticize, it is another to appreciate the opportunities being created; and I am looking at the opportunities being created. Anybody who wants to run barges, even if it is five barges that you are running, between Warri and here, you are already creating job opportunities for Nigerians. Secondly, you are creating an industry that can expand.
“But we must recognize that nobody would have bought a barge in the first place, without the port taking- off. So, Government must be commended for providing the infrastructures. Government job is to provide the users with infrastructures; and what more can you provide, other than dredging the channel, and providing the port? And with an investment of over N4 billion, it certainly show real seriousness on the part of Government. So, it is now up to us really to now tell people who may not know that there is a big investment opportunity like this now; and that everyone should invest in barges, he added.
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