Gov. Zulum Visits Shippers Council With Vows To Actualise Jauri Inland Dry Port

By Roland Ekama

The Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum on Wednesday, vowed to ensure the actualisation of the Jauri Inland Dry Port (IDP) in Maiduguri as part of efforts to provide shipping services to the door step of shippers, and to help reduce the over-all costs of cargo to hinterland locations in the state and neighbouring countries.

Zulum who made the pledge in Lagos, during a courtesy visit to management of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) , assured stakeholders that the IDP will experience massive development in the next six months adding that the purpose of the state government interests was aimed at reducing insecurity and job creation.

According to him, the establishment of the IDP in Borno State will boost international trade because of its strategic location with three neighbouring countries ; namely Cameroon , Chad and Niger Republic.

The Governor who led top executives of the state government to the Lagos head office of the Council reiterated that thousands of direct and indirect jobs will be created upon the completion of the facility noting that with the federal government political will power would aid the actualisation of the dry port.

While fielding questions from journalists, the Governor stated that lack of railway construction to the IDP in Maiduguri at the initial stage of completion will not hinder the smooth take off of the facility for business purposes, affirming that good road network connectivity would provide seamless operations for cargo movement.

“It is not a most to kick start the project without rail connectivity but I can assure you that thousands of tracks are moved to the state for railway connectivity to the IDP.” the Governor assured.

He said the facility would also enhance transborder trade , saying that both the federal and state government will benefit tremendously in terms of revenue generation.

Zulum further commended the Executive Secretary of the NSC for the intervention in line the the completion of the ICD.

In his remarks,Executive Secretary / CEO, NSC, Barrister Pius Akutah explained that the facility has only recorded 5% development which is not encouraging for business adding that with the state government commitment to support the project was a welcome development.

NSC boss recalled the successfully delivered Dala Inland Dry Port project and has commenced operation, adding that the Funtua Inland Dry Port has been declared the port of origin and final destination.

The NSC boss maintained that the Inland Dry Port (IDP) project is being facilitated by the Council to bring shipping services to the door- step of the shippers at the hinterland, decongest the seaports, create employment opportunities for citizens, as well as accrue substantial revenue for the government.

“The importance of Borno state as a border town to three countries cannot be overemphasized specially as it affects the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCFTA) which Nigeria opens it borders to.

 

The Jauri Inland Dry Port was concessioned to Messrs Migfo Nigeria Limited and the facility has a total of 10,000% TEUs capacity 5% development completion