The Nigerian Shippers’ Council has stressed the need for the establishment of an Inland Dry Port (IDP), in Jos, Plateau State, as part of efforts to boost economic activities in the North Central Zone
Pius Akutah, Executive Secretary/CEO of the Council, made the call during a stakeholders’ interactive session in Jos on Tuesday.
He said that the project, gazetted in 2006 as a legacy initiative, would significantly enhance export potential and improve Nigeria’s balance of trade.
“The presence of this dry port will unlock the economic potentials of Plateau and the entire North Central region,” Akutah said.
He added that the state boast of abundant agricultural produce like ginger, potatoes, and sesame seeds, as well as solid minerals including tin, gemstones, and zinc, many of which remain underutilised for export.
The Shippers’ Council boss revealed that the IDP would be developed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
He appealed to the Plateau Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, to intervene and accelerate the completion of the project, which had faced delays since its conception.
Akutah explained that the council established its Jos zonal office at Zaria Road specifically to coordinate quality service delivery to stakeholders across the six North Central states.
”The office serves as a strategic hub to facilitate trade and logistics operations in the region,” he said.
The Executive Secretary urged all industry stakeholders to maximise the council’s services, assuring them of continuous improvements in port operations, cost efficiency, and ease of doing business.
He reaffirmed the council’s commitment as Port Economic Regulator to maintain standards across Nigeria’s transport logistics chain.
Royal fathers and government officials present pledged their support for the actualisation of the Jos Inland Dry Port project.
The council promised to work tirelessly to deliver on its mandate of boosting Nigeria’s shipping and international trade sector.
(NAN)
