From Suleiman Amagbor, Lagos
Arrangements have been concluded by the federal government for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to officially commission the much awaited Funtua Inland Dry Port in Katsina State on Thursday, an electronic statement by the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) disclosed on Wednesday.
The NSC explained that the commissioning marks a significant milestone and a pivotal moment of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council’s commitment to facilitating trade in Nigeria.
It is also in line with the performance bond signed by the Honourable Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, the NSC added.
“It is worthy to note that this initiative is part of Council’s Key Performance Indicator (KPI) to deliver the Funtua Inland Dry Port Project before the end of the 1st Quarter, 2024.”
The document, signed by the Assistant Director, Public Relations Unit, Rebecca Adamu quoted the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Pius Ukeyima Akutah as saying the establishment of the Inland Dry Ports being promoted by the Council will among other things bring shipping and port services closer to the importers and exporters at the hinterland, decongest the Seaports, create job opportunities, improve and accrue huge revenue to the government among others.
Recall that in February, 2023, former President Muhammadu Buhari declared Funtua IDP as a Port of Origin and Destination which paved the way for importers and exporters to officially consign their cargo from Funtua to any part of the world.
This is the third in the series by the federal government to commission the Inland Dry Ports in the nation,the first was the commissioning of Kaduna Inland Dry Port in 2018 and Dala Inland Dry Port in 2023 respectively.
“The Funtua Inland Dry Port will be commissioned by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR at Funtua IDP Project Site, Katsina State. by 11: 00 a.m. prompt.
The Commissioning Ceremony will feature key dignitaries, government officials and industry stakeholders, ” Rebecca added.
