The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr Pius Akutah, said active collaboration between the Abia state government and the Isiala Ngwa Inland Dry Port (IDP) concessioners will unlock the substantial economic benefits for Abia state and the South-East region.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, Akutah said the IDP would transform and position the region as a major trade hub in the South-East region.
The project, according to Akutah, is poised to become a major economic driver for Abia state and the South-East region.
LEADERSHIP reports that the depot, which was originally gazetted in 2006, has long been dormant but is now being re-energised through the intervention of the NSC, which is spearheading its revitalisation as part of a broader push to enhance inland connectivity and decentralise maritime operations.
Akutah also emphasised the strategic importance of the dry port in decentralising maritime operations and extending logistics infrastructure to Nigeria’s inland commercial corridors.
Responding, Governor Otti, expressed his appreciation to the Shippers’ Council ES and his team for the visit.
He emphasised his desire for the Inland Dry Port operations to commence in the state.
He stressed the critical need for a functional rail system that can efficiently move goods from the seaport to the Inland Dry Port, reducing costs and increasing competitiveness.
Lastly, the NSC reaffirmed its dedication to providing the necessary technical and regulatory support to ensure the dry port becomes a major asset for economic transformation.
