Borno Govt Parleys With Shippers Council Over Speedy Completion Of  the Inland Dry Port

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

To facilitate both National and  International trade, as well as fast track economic growth and development, the Borno State Government has announced its readiness to ensure the timely completion of the  Inland Dry Port, IDP, in the State.

The IDP which is sited in  the Jauri area of  Maiduguri the State Capital, will also boost economic relations between Nigeria, Niger Republic, Chad and Cameroon – three African countries that share common boundaries with the State.

Governor Babagana Zulum who disclosed this on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, during an official visit to the Nigerian Shippers Council, NSC, in Lagos, insisted that, the absence of a direct rail network to the  site of the IDP will not pose much problems to its smooth take off.

Addressing the media after the visit, Professor Zulum assured that the project will receive  priority attention within the next six months.

He noted that the overall objective is to create job opportunities, increase the Gross Domestic Product GDP, enhance economic development, and improve the precarious security situation in Borno State.

Governor Zulum who was accompanied on the visit by some top Government functionaries from the state expressed the optimism that the IDP, in addition, will create several thousands of direct and indirect jobs for the citizens and residents of the State.

Such numerous job opportunities, he maintained, will, in turn, help in mitigating the security challenges being faced by the State, as many youths will be taken off the Street.

According to him, with enough will- power and commitment, from the Federal Government, the dream project will come to fruition.

Further speaking, the Governor stated that, the  absence of a rail line to the project site will not stall its take off upon completion.

He insisted that the availability of good road network in the main, will aid operations of the IDP.

“It is not a most to kick-start the project with rail connectivity. But, I can assure that already, thousands of rail tracks have been moved to the State for railway connectivity to the IDP”,  the Governor stated .

Pius Akutah ,the head of NSC,  while  appreciating  the commitment of the Borno state Government, to support  the development of the project, also, emphasized the importance of the IDP towards facilitating the African Continental Free Trade Agreement AFCFTA.

He noted that the IDP will  assist in providing   seamless, shipping services to potential and existing shippers in the hinterland, as well as decongest the seaports.