President Bola Tinubu has directed the swift completion of all uncompleted inland dry ports across the country to enhance commerce, international trade, and job creation for Nigerians.
This directive was given during the inauguration of the Funtua Inland Dry Port in Katsina State.
President Tinubu who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, emphasized the significance of inland dry ports in supporting economic diversification, a key aspect of his Renewed Hope Agenda.
He instructed the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the Nigerian Shippers Council to ensure the full utilization of the dry ports, aiming to decongest seaports and streamline international business operations, according to Nairametrics.
The President described the inauguration of the Funtua Inland Dry Port as a significant milestone in the development of the Nigerian economy, highlighting its potential to create jobs in the region.
He noted that the Federal Government is undertaking extensive road rehabilitation to facilitate the movement of goods from seaports to dry ports in the hinterlands.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has stated that the Funtua Inland Dry Port is one of six dry ports approved by the Federal Government and completed by the current administration.
Oyetola emphasized its potential to facilitate trade with neighboring African nations, including Niger Republic and Chad.
In a related development , the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has assured that the council would ensure the dry port’s management adheres to established regulations, leading to increased trade volumes in the region.
The Chairman of the Funtua Inland Dry Port, Alhaji Umaru Mutallab, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for completing the project, which would contribute to economic development in the region and attract people to the area for work.
Also, Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State applauded the Federal Government for situating the project in Funtua and urged the government to rehabilitate the rail lines from Zaria to Funtua for seamless transportation of goods from seaports to the area.
He also requested the revival of the moribund textile industry to generate more job opportunities and called for the extension of the AKK project from Zaria to Funtua to attract further investment.
