Nigerian Shippers’ Council Leads Revival Of Abia’s Inland Dry Port Project

Abia State is set to become a regional trade hub with the renewed push to revitalize the long-dormant Isiala Ngwa Inland Dry Port (IDP) project, originally gazetted in 2006.

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) is leading efforts to revive the project, which is expected to boost economic activity in Abia State and the wider South-East region by decentralizing maritime operations and improving inland logistics connectivity.

During a recent courtesy visit to Governor Alex Otti, the NSC Executive Secretary and CEO, Dr. Akutah Pius, emphasized the dry port’s strategic role in extending logistics infrastructure beyond seaports to Nigeria’s inland commercial corridors.

He highlighted that with strong collaboration between the state government and concessionaires, the IDP could unlock substantial economic benefits, transform the region, and position Abia as a major trade hub.

Governor Alex Otti expressed his appreciation for NSC’s commitment and stressed the urgency of operationalizing the dry port.

He also emphasized the critical need for a functional rail system to efficiently transport goods from seaports to the inland dry port, lowering costs and enhancing competitiveness.

The NSC reaffirmed its commitment to providing technical and regulatory support to ensure the Isiala Ngwa Inland Dry Port becomes a key asset for economic transformation in Abia and the South-East region.