The Nigerian Shippers’ Council has officially launched the Operational Manual for the Inland Dry Ports IDPs operating in the country.
Addressing stakeholders at the sensitisation and official launching of the operational manual for the IDPs in Jos, the Plateau State capital, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Council Barr. Pius Akutah also disclosed that the Heipang Inland Dry Port located in Jos, would soon become operational.
The Executive Secretary who was represented by the Director, Inland Transport Services Department of the Council, Mrs. Ify Okolue affirmed that the Heipang Inland Dry Port remains one of the dry port projects being facilitated by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to bring the shipping facilities to the shippers in the hinterlands, as part of measures to create employment opportunities for citizens and accrue substantial revenue to the Federal Government.
“The Heipang, Jos Inland Dry Port is strategically located to serve not only the host state but the neighbouring states within the North Central Zone of the country.
“The Plateau State Investment & Property Development Company has acquired Jos Inland Dry Port from Duncan Maritime Services Ltd in 2022, and with the new development, the new concessionaires and the host State Government would drive the project”, the Executive Secretary also stated
He therefore expressed optimism that with the concerted efforts of the host State Government and key players, the Jos Inland Dry Port project would soon become a reality.
Meanwhile, Governor of Plateau State, His excellency, Barr. Caleb Murtfwang, while speaking at the occasion, described the launch of the Inland Dry Port as a milestone considering the economic potential of the state.
The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Budget & Economic Planning, Hon Shrysantus Dawan, assured that the government would do everything within its powers to ensure that the project takes off very soon.
Also speaking at the launching, the Plateau state Commissioner for Commerce, Hon. Musa Sule described Nigerian Shipper’s Council as a key partner in the development of Inland Dry Port project in the State.
Sule said Plateau State is planning to build an international market, which requires the establishment of an Inland Dry Port.
The Coordinator, North Central Zone of the Council, Alhaji Ahmed Umar Yazzar, who also spoke at the event, said the launch of the operational manual by the Council is to adequately guide the stakeholders and operators on how best to use the Inland Dry Port projects nationwide.
He called on the stakeholders to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the Council through the dry port project.
On his part, Managing Director/ CEO, Plateau State Investment & Property Development Company, Mr. Silas Liman, said that the development of the Inland Dry Port project is crucial to the state because of the existence of mining and mineral resources.
He expressed the readiness of the state to partner the private sector towards actualising the Dry Port project in Plateau State.
Meanwhile, former Director, Legal Services of the Council, Mr. Samuel Vongtau, who also graced the occasion, noted that the dry port project is something that should not be taken with levity and urged the government to pay more attention to the development of dry port project in Plateau State.
President, Plateau State Shippers Association, Hajia Aisa Bashir, who addressed the press on the sideline of the occasion, described the launching as a welcome development, pledged the association’s readiness to ensure that the shippers are enlightened on the operational manual of the dry port in the state.
Also speaking at the event, Chairman, Heipang Jos Inland Dry Port Resuscitation Committee, Isha Agwom Nyam called on the Federal Government to ensure rail connectivity to Heipang Inland Dry Port for the easy and fast movement of agricultural products. According to him, the rail linkage to the dry port will assist in reducing the cost of transport.
Meanwhile, former President of Plateau State Shippers Association Mr. Mike Ukachi Nwanoshiri, who also spoke at the event, urged the Federal Government, the host state and other key players to work assiduously to make the dry port a reality in Plateau State to enable stakeholders begin to enjoy the economic benefits that accrue from such legacy projects.
Credit: Business & transport.com
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