The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has once again emphasized its commitment to the successful execution of the Erunmu Inland Dry Port (EIDP) project, recognizing its potential as a critical infrastructure for driving Nigeria’s economic growth. During a recent meeting held on August 21, 2024, at Apapa, Lagos, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the NSC, Barr. Pius Akutah, addressed the community’s stakeholders, acknowledging their steadfast dedication and the challenges they have faced over the years.
Barr. Akutah commended the members of the Erunmu Dry Port Host Communities Consultative Council for their unwavering commitment, despite the prolonged delays the project has experienced. He noted the difficulty in maintaining community morale when promises seem continually deferred. However, he reassured the council that efforts are being made to create a conducive environment for productive discussions with investors and concessionaires.
“We have engaged the investors and concessionaires, and all that remains is to restructure the concession agreement so that both parties can work effectively together. Your role as an advisory body to your community and as a supervising committee is crucial. Don’t lose hope; let this spur you to remain steadfast,” Barr. Akutah urged.
He further expressed confidence that the project, which has seen delays for almost two decades, would soon progress to the construction phase, bringing significant benefits to the region.
In his address, Elder Theophilus A. Yadeka, Chairman of the Erunmu Dry Port Host Communities Consultative Council, expressed the council’s gratitude for the opportunity to engage with the NSC leadership. He was represented by Mr Tunji Adio, a member of the committee. He highlighted the council’s role as a link between the affected communities and various stakeholders, including the federal and state governments. Mr Adio outlined the council’s long history of involvement with the EIDP project, noting their efforts to ensure community cooperation and support for the project despite numerous challenges.
The council also expressed their eagerness to meet with the proposed investors to familiarize themselves with the project’s stakeholders and to encourage faster execution of the EIDP, which has experienced significant delays. Mr Adio emphasized the importance of involving local artisans and workers in the project, as a way to appreciate the community’s contribution of land for the development.
In her remarks, Director of Inland Transport Services at NSC, Ify Okolue, addressed the current bottleneck delaying the project. She explained that the Build-Operate-Own-Transfer (BOOT) agreement, which governs the project, requires updating to meet current standards. Okolue assured the council that the NSC has already initiated discussions with the investor, who has requested the updated agreement, and that the project would be actualized in the near future.
The meeting ended on a hopeful note, with both the NSC and the host communities looking forward to the eventual completion of the Erunmu Inland Dry Port, a development that promises to bring economic prosperity to the south west region.
