“It is a significant milestone”-ES/CEO

The Federal Government of Nigeria has concluded plans to officially commission the much anticipated Funtua Inland Dry Port on Tuesday, 9th May, 2024 in Katsina State.

A statement signed by Rebecca Adamu, Assistant Director, Public Relations department of the Council disclosed that the Funtua Inland Dry Port will be commissioned by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR at Funtua IDP Project Site, Katsina State. by 11: 00 a.m. prompt.

According to NSC image maker, the Commissioning Ceremony will feature key dignitaries, government officials and industry stakeholders.

“This significant milestone, marks a pivotal moment of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council’s commitment in facilitating trade in Nigeria”

“It is also in line with the performance bond signed by the Honourable Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, His Excellency, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON” Rebecca Adamu said.

The statement further disclosed that the Commissioning port is part of the Council’s Key Performance Indicator (KPI) to deliver the Funtua Inland Dry Port Project before the end of the 1st Quarter, 2024.

Speaking on the development, the Executive Secretary/CEO of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah, MON, said

“The establishment of Inland Dry Ports being promoted by the Council will among other things bring shipping and port services closer to the importers and exporters at the hinterland, decongest the Seaports, create job opportunities, improve and accrue huge revenue to the Government amongst other gains”

Maritime Nigeria recalls that in February, 2023, the Federal Government under the Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR led administration declared Funtua IDP as a Port of Origin and Destination which paved the way for importers and exporters to officially consign their cargo from Funtua to any part of the world.

Checks at the Council revealed that this is the third in the series by the Federal Government to commission the Inland Dry Ports in the nation.

The first was the commissioning of Kaduna Inland Dry Port in 2018 and Dala Inland Dry Port in 2023 respectively.

Expectedly, the commissioning of the Funtua Inland Dry Port will usher in a new era in cargo movement in Nigeria.