By Olubunmi ISIOPHKE, Lagos
Committed to create conducive and enabling environment for shippers in the north central part of Nigeria, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barr.Pius Akutah, has disclosed that after a closed door meeting with the Executive Governor of Nassarawa State, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, the need and partnership to facilitate the establishment of inland Dry Port ( IDP) in the state was sealed.
Akutah made this known in a chat with newsmen after the meeting he had with the Governor.
The NSC Chief Executive Officer, said, “The State Governor has directed the Attorney General of 
Nassarawa State to meet with the management of the Nassarawa Investment Agency to actualize the aspiration.”
Adding, “Nassarwa State produces a large volume of sesame seed which necessitates the establishment of the Inland Dry Port in the State.”
The NSC boss asserted, “The State Government is planning to visit the Nigerian Shippers’ Council as part of the efforts to fast-track the development of the Inland Dry Port project in the State.”
He reaffirmed, “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.”
However, recalled that Nigerian Shippers’ Council as the ports economic regulator also facilitates the development of Inland Dry Port projects in the six-geo political zones of the country. The idea is to bring shipping facilities nearer to the hinterlands as well as decongest the seaports.
The Chief Executive Officer of the NSC, Akutah believes that the dry ports project in many parts of the country will boost employment opportunities for Nigerians and increase substantial revenue generation for the government.
