Maiduguri dry port for completion in six months

The Borno State Government and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) said they have intensified their commitment to fast-track the completion of the Inland Dry Ports (IDP) in Jauri, Maiduguri, Borno State, within the next six months to enhance trans-border trade, employment and economic growth.

This was disclosed, yesterday, during a meeting in Lagos involving the NSC, Borno State government, the concessionaire of the IDP (Migfor Nigeria Limited) and Maiduguri Bonded Terminal Limited.

The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, reiterated his commitment to the swift establishment of the IDP, which has a capacity of 10,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) and is currently at five per cent completion.

Zulum emphasised the socio-economic benefits the dry port could bring to the state, particularly in enhancing trade and transportation within Nigeria and with neighboring countries, given Borno’s strategic location bordering Chad, Cameroon and Niger. He noted that the IDP would also help address the state’s high unemployment rates, which in turn could improve security and reduce incidents of insurgency in the country.

The governor added that the project would generate additional revenue for both the Federal and state governments, which could be used to provide essential social services.

Zulum, however, acknowledged the challenges the project has faced, including security issues, but assured stakeholders of his administration’s unwavering support to do everything within the law to promote the establishment of the inland dry port.

The governor commended the commitment and dedication demonstrated by the NSC in facilitating the project, emphasising the importance of political unity and collaboration among all stakeholders.

Zulum also mentioned ongoing efforts to establish the Maiduguri Bonded Terminal and explore the potential for it to function in tandem with the IDP, noting that neither can operate independently.

He highlighted the strategic importance of diversifying Nigeria’s economy away from its reliance on oil by investing in trade infrastructure and other opportunities.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the NSC, Pius Akutah, underscored the strategic significance of Borno State as a border region with three countries, noting that this will boost international trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which opens Nigeria’s borders to the entire African market.

Akutah praised the governor’s dedication and urgency in advancing the project within six months.
He also emphasised the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive the IDP initiative, which is set to play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic diversification and international trade.