BSTG, NSC Projects Completion of Jauri IDP

BY FUNMI ALUKO

At a meeting in Lagos, Wednesday, Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum   pledged to actualize the completion of Jauri Inland Dry Port (IDP) in Maiduguri as part of efforts to promote shipping and ports services in the state and to help reduce the over-all costs of cargo distribution within the hinterland and beyond.

Gov. Zulum who made the pledge when he paid a courtesy visit to the management of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) , said the IDP will be an economic game changer in the state and beyond, even as he projected that the IDP should be ready in another six months, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

The IDP when completed will provide door-to-door shipping services to traders and to help also promote trade beyond the nation’s frontiers  into  neighbouring countries; because the state’s strategic location within Cameroon , Chad and Niger Republic.

Enthusiastic about the overall benefits of the Juari IDP, Gov. Zulum  says thousands of direct and indirect jobs would be created upon completion, as part of the current administration’s renewed hope agenda to change the narrative in all facets of commerce and trading, local and international.

Fielding questions from journalists regarding rail connectivity, the state governor said whereas rail connectivity is vital, and that whereas the IDP location is at the moment not linked to railway, he however stated it is not enough reason to halt take off of the IDP, noting that in time the state and IDP will also key into the seamless mode of transportation within the federal government transportation blueprint.

“I want to assure you that maximum, within the next six months, the process of starting the Inland Dry Port in Maiduguri will commence. Establishing the Dry Inland Port in Maiduguri will bring a lot of opportunities to Maiduguri and the people of Born state through employment generation, it will take away thousands of children that are on the street.

“Secondly, it will enhance trans-border trade. This is what we have been looking for. The relationship between our borders will be enhanced and the economy of our nation will grow and the GDP will increase.

“We are trying to divert our attention from mono economy which is oil by investing in other opportunities and Nigeria will be great very soon. Federal government is working towards seeing that rail lines are rehabilitated. Under the Tinubu initiative, they are in the process of rehabilitating the rail lines and thousands of tracks enter into Maiduguri in daily basis. That will not be a problem.

“In the absence of the rail, efficient and effective transportation system medium are sufficient. It is not a must to kick start the project without rail connectivity but I can assure you that thousands of (rail) tracks are moved to the state for railway connectivity to the IDP”, he said.

This is even as he commended the Executive Secretary/CEO NSC, Barr. Pius Akutah for the Council’s strategic interventions since the commencement of project.

Responding, Akutah explained that the facility has only recorded 5% development which he said is not encouraging for business even as he lauded the state government’s commitment to supporting the project.

He explained that the reason the NSC is encouraging IDP projects  is is to bring shipping services to the door- step of shippers at the hinterland, to decongest the seaports, create employment opportunities and grow the national GDP.

“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).

“Like His Excellence has said, the importance of Borno State as a border town to three countries, you cannot over emphasize that and what that will do to international trade between Nigeria and these countries, especially under the Africa Continent Free Trade Area which Nigeria opens it borders to.

“With the whole of Africa into one market, you cannot overemphasise this critical infrastructure in places like Maduguri, Borno state that has boundaries with three countries. I have been to Maduguri and I have seen the consistency of His Excellency’s position, his words and his actions.

“When he says six months, I believe him. For instance, the Transit Park Area that His Excellency has developed as one of the critical transport infrastructure to service the IDPs is mind-blowing. I have never seen that kind before.”

He continues: “Now, what needs to be done is for the two entities to look at the political will that His Excellency has brought to the table and see how they can quickly agree among themselves.

“This is business, the initiative is not for government to drive the day to day running of Inland Dry Ports but it is a Private Public Partnership, it is private sector driven. So, the two entities should come together and fast track the process of harmonizing and agreeing to work among themselves so that His Excellency can achieve his six months promise,” he enthused.

It will be recalled that in June 2023, the management of NSC under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Jime paid a courtesy visit to the Gov. Zulum in Government House, where he promised to support and accelerate the progress of the project.

The Jauri Inland Dry Port with 10,000% TEUs capacity been developed by Messrs Migfo Nigeria Limited was also at 5% development rate at the time. Still at the same completion level, it remains to be seen how the facility will achieve completion and be ready for operation by end of February 2025.