The Federal Government of Nigeria has concluded plans to officially commission the much -anticipated Funtua Inland Dry Port on Thursday, 9 May 2024, in Katsina State.
A statement by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council said that the Funtua Inland Dry Port would be commissioned by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR at Funtua IDP Project Site, Katsina State, by 11: 00 a.m. prompt.
Expressing a sense of fulfilment that the commissioning marks a significant milestone and the Shippers’ Council’s commitment in facilitating trade in Nigeria, it added that “It is also in line with the performance bond signed by the Honourable Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, His Excellency, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON.
“It is worthy to note that, this initiative is part of Council’s Key Performance Indicator (KPI) to deliver the Funtua Inland Dry Port Project before the end of the 1st Quarter, 2024.”
According to the Executive Secretary/CEO of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah, MON, the establishment of the Inland Dry Ports being promoted by the Council would among other things bring shipping and port services closer to the importers and exporters at the hinterland, decongest the Seaports, create job opportunities, improve and accrue huge revenue to the Government, and more.
The Shippers’ Council recalled that in February 2023, the Federal Government under the Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR led administration declared Funtua IDP as a Port of Origin and Destination which paved the way for importers and exporters to officially consign their cargo from Funtua to any part of the world.
This is the third in the series by the Federal Government to commission the Inland Dry Ports in the nation. The first was the commissioning of Kaduna Inland Dry Port in 2018 and Dala Inland Dry Port in 2023 respectively, the Council said.
Expected for the commissioning would be government officials, industry stakeholders and other dignitaries.
