CAPTION: Wang Qiongyu of CRCC and Hassan Bello, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers' Council at the negotiation meeting between the Federal Government and CRCC for the construction of the Ibadan Inland Dry Port
Arrangements by the Federal Government to select the preferred for the Ibadan Inland Dry Port are nearing completion.
The Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC) is the guarantor for the concession of the 80,000 TEU capacity dry port to be built on the basis of Public Private Partnership agreement in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Head of Public Relation Officer, NSC; Rakiya Zubairu, she said on completion, the facility is expected to contribute to addressing the problem of port congestion and gridlock in Apapa as it will be designated as a port of destination where cargo will be consolidated for import and export, especially in the South-Western part of Nigeria.
According to her, the dry port will provide a competitive cargo sorting centre, bulk breaking as well as cargo-tracking and truck management services.
Zubairu said that the project, which has been estimated to cost US$94,000,000.00 (or about N43,240,000,000.00), will boost employment in Oyo State and other cities in the environs.
The Shippers Council image maker said that the Lagos-Kano standard gauge railway currently under construction is aligned to the inland port.
"The Lagos-Kano standard gauge railway currently under construction is aligned to the proposed dry port, making it easy to convey cargo from the seaports in Lagos and to all destinations along the route. The negotiations emphasised the utilisation of local content at each stage of development and operation of the facility"
According to her, hHaving concluded this stage, an Updated Full Business Case Compliance report will be produced. A draft agreement will be presented to the Federal Ministry of Justice and sent to the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, ICRC, for vetting, after which the Minister of Transportation will present the agreement to the Federal Executive Council"
"The concessionaire will then be taken to the site for sod-turning. It is expected that construction will commence immediately after the ceremony. The time-line for completion is 12 months"
The negotiation was moderated by the Federal Ministry Of Transportation led by the acting Permanent Secretary and the Director, Maritime Services, Auwalu Suleiman, the Director-General of Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, ICRC, Engr. Chidi Izuwa. Amb. Jummai Katagum who represented the Federal Ministry of Finance were also part of the four-day negotiation.
Also present, was Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun, Secretary to Government of Oyo State. The preferred bidder CRCC was led by Deputy Managing Director, Jacques Liao.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the NSC, Hassan Bello expressed satisfaction with the proceedings.
Bello disclosed that all parties expressed firm commitment to the actualization of the project.
