Barring last-minute change, President Bola Tinubu will on Thursday, May 9, 2024, commission the Funtua Inland Dry Port (IDP) in Funtua local government area of Katsina State.
In a press statement issued by the assistant director, Public Relations, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Rebecca Adamu, plans had been concluded for the commissioning of the dryport by President Tinubu.
According to the statement, the commissioning ceremony will feature key dignitaries, government officials and industry stakeholders.
This significant milestone marks a pivotal moment of the NSC’s commitment in facilitating trade in Nigeria.
It was also in line with the performance bond signed by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
It is worthy to note that the initiative was part of Nigerian Shipper’s Council’s Key Performance Indicator (KPI) to deliver the Funtua Inland Dry Port Project before the end of the first Quarter of 2024.
According to the Executive Secretary/CEO of NSC, Barr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah, the establishment of 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.
Recall that in February, 2023, the Federal Government under the President Muhammadu Buhari-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.