From left: Executive Secretary/CEO of the NSC, Dr. Pius Akutah, MON, presents a souvenir to the leader of the delegation, Dr. Mhir Aii Iyenge during the visit.

The Benue Shippers Association (importers and exporters) has paid a courtesy visit to Nigerian Shippers’ Council NSC at its liaison office in Abuja to seek stronger collaboration towards providing practical solutions to the challenges faced by shippers in the state.

Receiving the delegation, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the NSC, Dr. Pius Akutah, MON, who, warmly welcomed the team, expressed genuine delight at their visit.

The NSC-boss flanked by some members of the delegation.

He explained that every NSC offices across the country exist to serve shippers, and assured them that with the new site allocated for the NSC Makurdi Area Office, space would be created for the Association to have an office of their own.

Dr. Akutah emphasised that the Council remains committed to protecting the interests of shippers.

He acknowledged that only three Inland Dry Ports (IDPs) are fully operational so far but stressed that Benue’s IDP project is important. He revealed that the NSC has already written to the state government and is even willing to support plans for a river port in Makurdi.

According to him, the Council is ready to partner the government to see these ideas come to life.

On sensitisation, he noted that the NSC is eager to train both established and upcoming shippers, particularly on the Cargo Defence Fund and also plans to set up Border Information Centres to support smoother trade.

Also speaking at the meeting, the Director, Consumer Affairs Department, Mrs. Ify Okolue, assured the delegation that the NSC would step up sensitisation and capacity-building efforts for shippers in the state.

The Director of Human Resources Management Department, Mr. Mustapha Zubairu, encouraged the Association to continue advocating strongly for the Benue IDP, noting that their voice is important in pushing the project forward.

Also contributing, the Director of the North-Central Zonal Coordinating Office, Dr. Jeremiah Okoliko, said stakeholders in the region are already showing interest and willingness to support the development of an IDP in Benue.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation, Dr. Mhir Aii Iyenge, highlighted some of the challenges facing shippers in Benue such as urgent need for Inland Dry Port to support farmers, traders, and even neighbouring states like Taraba and Adamawa, the Association’s lack of office and called on Council to help enlighten their members on NSC’s programmes and opportunities.

A highpoint of the visit was the expression of commitment by both parties to improve shipping services, strengthening trade, while opening new opportunities for businesses across Benue State.