From left: Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barr. Pius Akutah and Governor of Nassarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule shortly after the meeting at the government house, Lafia.

The Nassarawa State Government has expressed its willingness to partner the Nigerian Shippers’ Council NSC to   facilitate the establishment of Inland Dry Port IDP in the state.

The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Council, Barr. Pius Akutah, disclosed this after a closed door meeting with the governor of Nassarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule.

According to a statement by the Council’s Assistant Director, Public Relations, Rebecca Adamu, Barr. Akutah briefing newsmen shortly after the meeting Saturday, hinted that the governor has already issued directives for the project to be actualised for the benefit of shippers in the state.

The NSC CEO further disclosed that the State Governor has directed the Attorney General of Nassarawa State to meet with the management of the Nassarawa Investment Agency with a view to actualising the aspiration.

“Nassarwa State produces a large volumes of sesame seed which necessitates the establishment of the Inland Dry Port in the State.

“The State Government is also planning to visit the Nigerian Shippers’ Council as part of efforts to fast-track the development of the IDP project in the state. Nasarrawa State is an advocate of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement AfCFTA and would ensure awareness creation in respect of the importance of the trade agreement for exporters in the state”, the NSC-boss said.

Recall that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council as the Ports Economic Regulator also facilitates the development of Inland Dry Ports in the six-geo political zones of the country as part of measures to decongest the conventional seaports and bring shipping services to the hinterlands.

Barr. Akutah argued that in addition to these economic benefits, the dry ports in many parts of the country will also boost employment opportunities for Nigerians and increase substantially revenue generation for the government.