.Presents Certificate of Compliance for Outside Business Case
ZAINAB JUNAID
The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr. Akutah Pius, MON, has commended Ogun State Governor, His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his commitment towards the development of Gateway Inland Dry Port project.
Barrister Akutah, who made the commendation during his visit to the governor in Ogun, the State Capital on Monday, 16 December 2024, also presented Certificate of Compliance from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), for Outside Business Case of Gateway Inland Dry Port project to the State Government.
While presenting the Certificate to the Executive Governor, Barr. Akutah stressed the importance of the dry port saying it will bring shipping services closer to the hinterlands for the benefit of shippers.He posited that the technologies and automation at the ports will reduce human traffic.
The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr. Akutah Pius, MON, and Ogun State Governor, His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun
Speaking further, the Executive Secretary explained that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council is not only partnering the State Government on dry port project, but also on Vehicle Transit Area( VTA) project.
He also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCON, for creating the Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy as part of the diversification from oil to non-oil sector and also commended the Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, His Excellency, Adegboyega Oyetola, for his unwavering support on the dry port project and initiatives taken to strengthen all agencies under his supervision.
However, on the Council’s new Bill, the Council’s Chief explained that the Bill aimed at transmuting Nigerian Shippers’ Council into Nigerian Shipping & Port Economic Regulatory Agency”.
According to him, “The Bill has passed through both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The bill when passed into law will promote efficiency of Nigeria’s ports and transform Nigeria to a regional maritime hub”.
He sought for support from Stakeholders for the Council’s aspiration to a reality as regards passing the bill into law.
While speaking, the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapọ Abiodun appreciated the ES/CEO and his team for the visit and applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing a technocrat to head the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, adding within few months of Akutah’s appointment, Nigeria has recorded landmark achievements in the industry.
Prince Abiodun highlighted the achievements to include the groundbreaking of their dry port project at Papalanto in Ewekoro Local Government Area.
He said, “The Gateway Inland Dry port is very important to his administration, the State being an industrial nerve, has manufacturers who will enjoy the services of the port. The development of this Port will also reduce congestion at the ports in Lagos”.
The Governor further pledged support for the passage of NSC’s bill into law by Mr. President.
The presentation of Certificate of Compliance for the Papalanto Inland Dry Port by the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, MON, and his delegation to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun marked a significant milestone which reinforces the Federal Government’s commitment to industrialization and job creation, with the Inland Dry Port set to reduce Lagos port congestion and drive economic growth in Ogun State.
