ZAINAB JUNAID
In line with the performance bond signed by the Honourable Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, His Excellency, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, the Federal Government of Nigeria has concluded plans to officially commission the much anticipated Funtua Inland Dry Port on Thursday, 9th May, 2024 in Katsina State.
This was contained in a statement signed by Rebecca Adamu, Assistant Director, Public Relations Unit of the Council, stating the dry Port will be commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR at Funtua IDP Project Site, Katsina State. by 11: 00 a.m. prompt.
According to her, the Commissioning Ceremony will feature key dignitaries, government officials and industry stakeholders.
She stressed that the significant milestone marks a pivotal moment of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council’s commitment in facilitating trade in Nigeria.
“It is worthy to note that, this initiative is part of Council’s Key Performance Indicator (KPI) to deliver the Funtua Inland Dry Port Project before the end of the 1st Quarter, 2024,” she said.
Speaking on this development, Executive Secretary/CEO of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah, MON, noted that the establishment of the Inland Dry Ports being promoted by the Council will among other things bring shipping and port services closer to the importers and exporters at the hinterland, decongest the Seaports, create job opportunities, improve and accrue huge revenue to the Government, etc.
Recall that in February, 2023, the Federal Government under the Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR led administration declared Funtua IDP as a Port of Origin and Destination which paved the way for importers and exporters to officially consign their cargo from Funtua to any part of the world.
This is the third in the series by the Federal Government to commission the Inland Dry Ports in the nation. The first was the commissioning of Kaduna Inland Dry Port in 2018 and Dala Inland Dry Port in 2023 respectively.
