Borno Governor, Professor Zulum promises to deliver Maiduguri IDP in six months
...as NSC boss, Barr. Akutah reiterates importance of project
Segun Oladipupo
The Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum on Wednesday, promised to complete the Jauri Inland Dry Port (IDP) in Maiduguri in six months
The Governor gave the promise when he visited the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) in Lagos as part of efforts to expedite actions on the project which according to him, will have enormous impact on the economy of the state and Nigeria as a whole.
The IDP when completed, will provide shipping services to the door step of shippers, and to help reduce the over-all costs of cargo to hinterland locations in the state and neighbouring countries.
According to him, the establishment of the IDP in Borno State will boost international trade because of its strategic location with three neighbouring countries ; namely Cameroon , Chad and Niger Republic.
He maintained that thousands of direct and indirect jobs would be created upon completion of the facility noting that with the federal government political will power, it would aid the actualisation of the dry port.
Responding to questions from journalists, the Governor stated that lack of railway construction to the IDP in Maiduguri at the initial stage of completion will not hinder the smooth take off of the facility for business purposes, affirming that good road network connectivity would provide seamless operations for cargo movement.
He said the facility would also enhance transborder trade, saying that both the federal and state government will benefit tremendously in terms of revenue generation.
Zulum further commended the Executive Secretary of the NSC for the intervention in line the the completion of the ICD.
His words, “I want to assure you that maximum, within the next six months, the process of starting the Inland Dry Port in Maiduguri wil commence.
“Establishing the Dry Inland Port in Maiduguri, will bring a lot of opportunities to Maiduguri and the people of Born on state through employment generation, it will take away thousand of children that are on the street
“Secondly, it will enhance transborder 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 very well 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.libes 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,” he assured.
In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary /CEO, NSC, Barrister Pius Akutah explained that the facility had only recorded 5% development which is not encouraging for business even as he lauded the state government’s commitment to supporting the project.
NSC boss recalled the successfully delivered Dala Inland Dry Port project and has commenced operation, adding that the Funtua Inland Dry Port has been declared the port of origin and final destination.
The NSC boss maintained that the Inland Dry Port (IDP) project is being facilitated by the Council to bring shipping services to the door- step of the shippers at the hinterland, decongest the seaports, create employment opportunities for citizens, as well as accrue substantial revenue for the government.
“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) which Nigeria opens it borders to.
“Like His Excellence has said, the importance of Borno State as a border town to three countries, you cannot overemphasise 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
“” 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 speak, 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 ODOs, is mind-blowing . I have never seen that kind before.
“Now, what needs to be done is for the two entities to look at the political will that His Excellency has brought in 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, so it 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 submitted.
The Jauri Inland Dry Port was concessioned to Messrs Migfo Nigeria Limited and the facility has capacity of 10,000% TEUs but at 5% development rate.
