Shipping

Akutah Upbeat About Heipang IDP

Published

8 months ago

June 27, 2024

BY GBOGBOWA GBOWA

The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council ( NSC), Barrister Akutah Pius has reassured stakeholders that the Heipang Inland Dry in Jos, Plateau State would soon become a reality.

Akutah who gave the assurance also disclosed that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council ( NSC) has officially launched the operational manual for the Inland Dry Ports project in Jos.

Addressing stakeholders at the sensitization and official launching of the manual in Jos, Plateau State, on Wednesday , the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the NSC said that the Council has played a pivotal role in ensuring the development of Inland Dry Ports across designated locations in the country.

NSC Head of Public Relations, Rebecca Adamu in a statement made available to our reporter said

The ES who was represented by Mrs. Ify Okolue, Director Inland Transport Services affirmed that the Heipang Inland Dry Port is one of the dry port projects being facilitated by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to bring shipping closer to hinterland, create employment opportunities for citizens which will in turn also generate revenue to the government.

He expressed optimistism that with the level of concerted efforts by the host state government and key players, the Heipang Jos Inland Dry Port project would soon become a reality.

According to him, the Jos Inland Dry Port is strategically located to serve not only the host state but also neighbouring states in the North Central Zone.

He stressed that the Plateau State Investment & Property Development Company have acquired Jos Inland Dry Port from Duncan Maritime Services Ltd in 2022, noting that with the new development, the new concessionaires and the host State Government would drive the project.

Speaking during the launch, Executive Governor of Plateau State, His excellency, Barr.Caleb Murtfwang described the Heipang IDP as a milestone to enhancing the economic potential of the state.

Represented by the Commissioner of Budget & Economic Planning and the Commissioner of Commerce, Hon. Musa Sule, Hon Shrysantus Dawan and Hon. Musa Sule, respectively, Governor Murtfwang described Nigerian Shipper’s Council as a key partner in the development of Inland Dry Port project in the state and beyond.

Speaking further, Hon Sule said state government is planning to build an international market to support activities of the IDP project.

Also Coordinator, North Central Zone of the Council, Alh. Ahmed Umar Yazzar said the launching of the operational manual by the Council is to adequately guide stakeholders and operators on how best to use the Inland Dry Ports project, nationwide.

He called on stakeholders to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the Council through the inland dry port project.

The Managing Director/ CEO, Plateau State Investment & Property Development Company, Mr. Silas Liman said that the development of the Inland Dry Port project is crucial to the state because of the existence of mining and mineral resources.

He expressed the state government’s readiness to partner with private sectors towards actualizing the success story of the inland dry port project in the state.

In his own submission, former Director of Legal Services of the Council, Mr. Samuel Vongtau, said that the dry port project is something that should not be taken for granted and urged the government and all stakeholders to pay sufficient attention to the development the IDP.

In an interview with Hajia Aisa Bashir, President, Plateau State Shippers Association, she described the launching of the Operational Manual of the Inland Dry Ports as a welcome development.

Hajia Bashir expressed the Association’s readiness to ensure that shippers are enlightened on the operational manual of the inland dry port.

The Chairman,Heipang Jos Inland Dry Port Resuscitation Committee, Isha Agwom Nyam called on the Federal Government to ensure rail connectivity to Heipang Inland Dry Port for the movement of agricultural products.

According to him, rail linkage to port will assist to reduce the cost of transportation.

Also speaking, Mr. Mike Ukachi Nwanoshiri, a former President of Plateau State Shippers Association urged the federal government, the host state and other key players to work with a common focus and commitment to make the port a reality in Plateau State.