Operators of the Kaduna Inland Dry Port; Inland Containers Nigeria Limited (ICNL) has disclosed that full operations of the dry port may commence in the last quarter of 2015, even as it disclosed that all northern states are interested in participating in the import and export businesses.
Operators of the Kaduna Inland Dry Port; Inland Containers Nigeria Limited (ICNL) has disclosed that full operations of the dry port may commence in the last quarter of 2015, even as it disclosed that all northern states are interested in participating in the import and export businesses.
Managing Director Inland Container Nigeria Limited (ICNL); Mr. Ismail Yusuf also disclosed reasons behind the Kaduna Inland Dry Port (KIDP) gazette, saying that the Federal Government deemed it fit to bring the port closer to port users in the northern part of the country.
Yusuf told journalist in Lagos yesterday that the major reason behind the gazette of the first inland dry port is to ease the stress of coming to Lagos to clear cargoes which in-turn will also reduce the number trucks on the roads.
The ICNL boss noted that the organisation met with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to improve on its services even as he added that the company is in discussion with other agencies of government.
“When our operations take off fully, which will be very soon, there will be job opportunities for different categories of people.
“Even those who provide services such as truck owners will be taking cargoes from the dry port to various warehouses.
“The government will also benefit from it through taxes and VAT,” Yusuf said.
"We are putting our act together , meeting with international communities, meeting with the shipping companies, Customs, Nigerian Shippers Council and security agencies of government "
"By the time we harmonize all these, we will tell the world when to commence but I can say that it will not be more than two months from now", he assured.
He said haulage operators will complement the rail on the movement of containers, noting that the dry port operation is not going to rely on railways alone.
"The dry port will be known as a port origin as well as a final destination where cargo coming from any part of the world will be claused.
"Which means that it will be offloaded at Lagos seaports and transited to Kaduna Inland Dry Port prior to clearing and delivery to clients warehouse, also export goods can be consolidated from the dry port to anywhere in the world"
“Those importing raw materials or finished goods will no longer come to Lagos because we are now close to them.
“Now, they are saved the cost of travelling and cost of accommodation as we will bring the service to their doorstep at a cheaper rate and with ease,’’ the managing director said.
Speaking further on the benefit of the Kaduna Inland Dry Port, Yusuf explained that there are lots of benefits from the port to the Nigeria economy in general and the northern states in particular.
"The dry port will create thousands of direct and indirect employment for the youths and there will be more exports of cargoes which include; textile materials, agriculture produces, mineral resources, finished goods, personal effects, artefacts, granite etc, from one country to another, which will bring about favourable balance of payment", he explained.
He also reiterated that the Kaduna Dry Port will connect Inland Containers Nigeria Limited to the outside world, saying that many international organisations will love to patronise and even partner the organisation.
Yusuf stressed that the with this development, "more security attention will be given to the state by the government to ensure safety of lives and cargoes"
According to him, "the dry port will encourage lots of artisans in the state such as mechanics , welders, vulcanizers, as their workshop will not be left out in the dry port"
"Road haulage will be increased as the dry port will be welcoming approximately 30,000 containers per annum".
He the development to commence the Kaduna Inland Dry Port, will increase revenue drive of the government and the company (ICNL) profile increase by way to "record worldwide as we are the first contact when it comes to dry port operations"
Even though he chose not to disclosed the names of the haulage firms, Yusuf stated that ICNL had discussions with reputable haulage firms who have already indicated interest to partner with it on the smooth commencement of the ICD.
He however said that if the Nigerian Railways Corporation (NRC) does not improve on the number of available locomotives and wagons, the company will fall back on road haulage.
He however urged the authority of NRC to shore up its standard and ensure that more wagons are put in place to move containers and other goods to different destinations.
Speaking also, a Deputy General Manager and Head of Operations; Mr Rotimi Raimi, said the company’s operation would open greater business frontiers in the northern region, thus encouraging trade.
Raimi said that export of goods from Kaduna to any part of the world would be easy now and would facilitate investments, particularly in the region.
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