From right: Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti presents a souvenir to the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Dr. Pius Akutah MON during the visit.

The Abia State Government and the Nigerian Shippers Council NSC, have commenced plans that would see the revatalisation of the Isiala Ngwa Inland Dry Port IDP project, located in Isiala Ngwa, Aba towards emerging as a regional trade hub. It is expected that this renewed momentum would enable the state become a major economic driver for the South-East region.

Originally gazetted in 2006, the long-dormant project is being re-energised through the intervention of the NSC, which is spearheading its revitalisation as part of a broader push to enhance inland connectivity and decentralise maritime operations into the hinterlands of the country.

During a courtesy visit to His Excellency, Governor Alex Otti, OFR recently, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Council, Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, expressed appreciation for the governor’s support and underscored the strategic importance of the dry port in decentralising maritime operations and extending logistics infrastructure to Nigeria’s inland commercial corridors.

He noted that with active collaboration of the state government and the concessioners, the IDP project has the potential to unlock substantial economic benefits for Abia State and beyond, while transforming the region and position it as a major trade hub in the South-East region.

The NSC reaffirmed its dedication to providing the necessary technical and regulatory support to ensure the dry port becomes a major asset for economic transformation.

Meanwhile, Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, who spoke during the visit, expressed appreciation to the Executive Secretary/ CEO of the Council and his team for the visit.

He emphasised his desire for the Inland Dry Port operations to commence in the state.

He stressed the critical need for a functional rail system that can efficiently move goods from the seaport to the Inland Dry Port, reducing costs and increasing competitiveness.