The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), has said that the implementation of the proposed Inland Dry Ports in the North East would attract imports and exports from the neighboring African countries around the region, which will further boost the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, MON, said this in Bauchi on Tuesday during an interactive session with stakeholders from North-East Zone on regional integration for shipping activities.
Akutah said that Bauchi State has been working on the Inland Dry Port over the years with about 70% work done on the initial stages.
He appreciated the role of the North-East Governors in developing transport infrastructure for the project.
The NSC boss, during the meeting, also disclosed that the Council has received Federal Government approval to re-open the Cargo Defense Fund(CDF) for Shippers.
According to him, the Council is working on the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Cargo Defense Fund, with the aim to support shippers facing issues and to building on previous efforts to restructure the CDF.
Akutah also said that the Federal Government is committed to diversifying the economy from oil to non – oil sectors, promoting non-oil exports in the country.
He informed stakeholders of the agency’s plan to create Information Communications Technology (ICT) centers to provide on-the-spot information for shippers, enhancing business operations
In his speech, the Executive Governor of Bauchi state, His excellency, Bala Muhammed, who was represented by the Commissioner of Commerce Industry and Investment, Hon. Mohammed Salis Gamawa described the Council as a “game -changer “ in the export business, noting the state’s strategic location for economic integration in the North-East.
He said that Bauchi was the first state to establish a trade facilitation center in Nigeria.
