The executive secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Akutah Pius, has informed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will complete the inland dry port project in Heipang, Plateau State.
Dr. Akutah stated this during an on-the-spot assessment of the Jos inland dry port in Heipang, Plateau State.
He pointed out that the Jos Inland Dry Port project, when fully in operation, will bring shipping services closer to shippers in the hinterlands, boost individual export businesses, and generate revenue for the North Central region and the Federal Government.
The Plateau State Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, Hon. Salisu Mohammed, has assured that the dry port will soon be completed.
The commissioner said that the State Government is in talks with an investor to partner with and facilitate the take-off of the dry port.
In an interactive session with stakeholders after the visit to the site, Dr Akutah emphasized the critical role of maritime logistics in the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), highlighting the need for seamless cargo movement across African countries.
Dr Akutah informed the Council’s collaboration with the Plateau State Government to accelerate the development of the Inland Dry Port project and its partnership with the Ministry of Transportation to enhance rail connectivity to ports.
Stakeholders, including the managing director of Plateau Investment and Property Development Company, the national vice president of the National Shippers’ Association of Nigeria, and the Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Plateau State, expressed support for the project, citing its potential to boost export business and economic growth in the region.
