“Funtua Dry Port represents another step forward for Nigeria’s economic development,” – President Tinubu
...applauds Shippers’s Council, others for successful completion of project
Segun Oladipupo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned. the long- awaited Funtua Inland Dry Port project in Funtua, Katsina State.
Tinubu was represented at the official commissioning of the Dry Port by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, lauded the Council, management of the Funtua Dry port as well as other stakeholders for the riles they played in making the project a reality.
In his welcome address, the President said Funtua Inland Dry Port was strategically positioned to serve not only Katsina State but the neighboring countries like Chad and Niger Republic, adding that the dry port project was in line with the renewed hope agenda of the present administration.
He called on the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to ensure that the other designated dry ports are completed.
His words, “This port, strategically located in Funtua, Katsina State, is the third to be completed and commissioned among the six legacy Inland Dry Port projects spread across our nation’s six geo-political zones.
“It is imperative to acknowledge the long-awaited anticipation from our hinterland business communities for such essential facilities. The Funtua Inland Dry Port holds immense potentials to enhance the ease of conducting international business for interior-based shippers, both importers and exporters.
“In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of my Administration, this development aligns with our commitment to diversify the economy towards non-oil exports,” he submitted.
The Honourable Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, His Excellency, Adegboyega Oyetola said the dry port project was designed to decongest the seaports and bring shipping services closer to the hinterlands.
The minister said that the dry port project’s initiative would promote the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the Northern regions.
In his goodwill message, the Executive Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency, Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, said his administration was determined to make the Katsina State an investment haven.
According to him, the dry port project is a transport infrastructure project which is seamless and will facilitate the movement of goods.
He called on the agencies that will be working at the Funtua Inland Dry Port to exhibit understanding and professionalism in their operations.
The Chairman, Funtua Inland Dry Port, Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Abdul Mutallab, expressed profound appreciation to the dignitaries present at the official commissioning of the Funtua Inland Dry Port project.
According to him, in 2006 Nigerian Shippers’ Council identified Funtua as a viable place for the establishment of dry port project in Katsina State through Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) arrangement even as he appreciated those behind the success of the dry port project in the state.
In his vote of thanks, the Executive Secretary/CEO of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Pius Akutah said that the port would contribute immensely to the economic growth of the state and the country at large.
He pointed out that the Council will continue to support the operations of the Funtua Inland Dry Port and also assist with the presence of the Council’s staff to attend to their complaints as well as resolving the challenges.
