The federal government has said that the newly commissioned Funtua Inland Dry Port is strategically positioned to serve not only Nigeria but also landlocked countries of Chad and Niger Republic.
This was disclosed by president Bola Tinubu during the official commissioning of the dry Port, in Funtua, Katsina State, on Thursday.
The president, who was represented by the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, added that the dry port project was in line with the renewed hope agenda of the present administration.
Furthermore, the President called on the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to ensure that other designated dry ports are completed .
Also speaking, the minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola said the dry port project was designed to decongest the seaports and bring shipping services to the hinterlands.
The minister said that the dry port project’s initiative will promote the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and create an enabling environment for businesses to strive in the Northern regions.
Also speaking, the governor of Katsina State, Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, said his administration is determined to make the Katsina State an investment haven.
According to him, the dry port project is a transport infrastructure project which is seamless and will facilitate the movement of goods.
He called on the agencies that would be working at the Funtua Inland Dry Port to exhibit understanding and professionalism in their operations.
The executive Secretary NSC, Barr. Pius Akutah, said the port will contribute immensely to the economic growth of the state and the country at large.
He pointed out that the Council will continue to support the operations of the Funtua Inland Dry Port and also give the assistance of the staff to attend to their complaints and help in resolving them.