Nassarawa State, NSC To Develop IDP, Raise Sesame Export

BY EGUONO DOJEGBA

The Nassarawa State Government and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) are currently in crucial discussions aimed at attracting the establishment of an Inland Dry Port (IDP)   in the State, to among other things secure a larger and higher market value for the exploitation of sesame seeds produced in large quantity by the state.

His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule,  Executive Governor, Nassarawa State with Barr.Pius Akutah, Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Shippers’ Council

According to a statement by the Council Assistant Director, Public Relations, Rebecca Adamu, the state government has already expressed willingness to partner with the NSC to   facilitate the establishment of Inland Dry Port (IDP)   in the State; when the Executive Secretary/CEO of NSC, Barr.Pius Akutah visited the   Executive Governor of Nassarawa State, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, weekend.

The statement quoted the NSC ES of disclosing above to newsmen after a closed door meeting with the   Governor Sule.  According to the statement, Akutah who briefed newsmen after the meeting on Saturday hinted that  the Governor  has already  issued directives on how the project can be actualized for the benefit of   shippers in the state.

Barr.Pius Akutah, Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Shippers’ Council in warm handshake with His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, Executive Governor, Nassarawa State

The statement reads:  “The NSC Chief Executive Officer further disclosed that    the State Governor has directed the Attorney General of Nassarawa State to meet with the management of the Nassarawa Investment Agency to actualize the aspiration.”

According to him, “Nassarwa State produces a large volume of sesame seed which necessitates the establishment of the Inland Dry Port   in the State.  The NSC boss   said that the State Government is planning to   visit   the Nigerian Shippers’ Council as part of the efforts to fast-track the development of the Inland Dry Port project in the State.

“He also stressed that  Nasarrawa State is an advocate  of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA ),  and   would  ensure awareness creation in respect of  the importance of the trade agreement for exporters  in the state.”

It would be recalled that Nigerian Shippers’ Council as the ports economic regulator also facilitates the development of Inland Dry Port projects in the six-geo political zones of the country. The idea is to bring shipping facilities nearer to the hinterlands as well as decongest the seaports.

The Chief Executive Officer of the NSC, Akutah believes that the dry ports project in many parts of the country will boost employment opportunities for Nigerians and increase substantial revenue generation for the government.