President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched the Funtua Inland Dry Port (IDP) in Funtua local government area of Katsina State.
The president charged the operators of the port to sustain the dream of establishing it to unlock the potential opportunities in its areas of operations.
The secretary to government of the federation (SGF) George Akume, who represented the president, said the location of the Funtua Dry Port was strategically done, being the third to be completed and commissioned among the six legacy Inland dry port projects in the country’s six geo-political zones.
He underscored the potential of the port to enhance the ease of conducting international business for interior-based shippers for both importers and exporters which is in accordance with the led administration renewed hope agenda.
Tinubu said, “This development aligns with our commitment to diversify the economy towards non-oil exports. The concept of Inland Dry Ports has gained prominence globally, particularly with the container revolution and the advent of door-to-door cargo delivery.
“This port grants importers and exporters located within our inland cities, as well as neighbouring hinterland countries such as Niger, Chad, Northern Cameroon, and Central Africa, access to shipping and port services without the need to physically visit seaports.
“Moreover, the Funtua Inland Dry Port offers importers the convenience of processing cargo clearance and receiving raw materials and machinery closer to their places of business. For exporters, it provides essential facilities for processing, packaging, consolidating, and forwarding exports worldwide.
“This infrastructure is integral to our Administration’s commitment to promoting export business across Nigeria, thereby achieving trade balance and creating employment opportunities for our youths,” he said
He urged the general public, host communities and the state to consider these private investments as part of national assets and ensure their protection, pleading with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and all other port officials to “act diligently in ensuring the efficient functioning of these facilities, free from unnecessary bureaucracy and delays; without compromising national interest and security.”
