Edo port promoter seeks cooperation of stakeholders, port users

As port operations begin, Atlantique Marine and Engineering Services (AMES), promoters of the AMES-Edo Inland Container Dry Port project, has called for improved partnership with stakeholders and prospective port users in Edo State.

This followed the signing of a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) on the AMES-Edo Inland Container Dry Port between the Edo State Government and the firm.

The Managing Director of AMES-Edo Inland Container Dry Port, Charles Akhigbe, who spoke at a stakeholders’ sensitisation meeting at the government house, Benin City, said the port would improve economic activities in the state and create thousands of jobs for Nigerians.

Akhigbe said the sensitisation meeting was aimed at bringing all port users in Edo State together under a room, to sensitise them about the AMES-Edo Inland Dry Port and the commencement of operations at the dry port.

“It will be a customs port, and a lot of activities at the Lagos port will be done here at Edo State, yielding huge resources for the state and the federal government. This is the first phase and other phases will follow for bigger companies, medium-sized companies and small-scale businesses that are all over the state, to start thinking export,” he said.

Akhigbe said the company was established to provide a one-stop cargo reception and clearance facility to boost exports from and imports into Edo State, particularly the South-South, South-East and some states in the middle belt region, by providing proper handling and logistics services.

He further noted that there is a need to galvanise people in the state to take advantage of putting quality edible products together, as the state is blessed with agricultural products.

He said a lot of businessmen in Edo State are going through hard times at the Lagos Port, adding that with the Dry Port, port users in the state would not go through the struggles of the Lagos port.

Akhigbe further added that the port would enable the exportation of quality, safe food products to Africa and the rest of the world directly from Edo State.

“Arrangements are ongoing with the relevant authority for a dedicated cargo airplane that will be able to carry a maximum of 60 tonnes using both the Edo and Delta State Airports.

“The Edo State Government is facilitating the Ossiomo-Power to be connected to the dry port for 24/7 electricity supply to reduce cost and ensure end-users as well as other stakeholders benefit,” he added.