Shippers’ Council, Adamawa to develop transport infrastructure

The Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Emmanuel Jime, and the Governor of Adamawa State, Umaru Fintiri, have inaugurated a committee to aid the development of Vehicle Transit Areas (VTAs) and Border Information Centre (BIC) in the state.

NSC and the Adamawa State government had previously met in Abuja, where they resolved that a 10-member joint committee be inaugurated to fast-track the development of the transport infrastructure projects.

Speaking at the official inauguration of the technical committee, the NSC boss maintained that the agency had the mandate to facilitate development of transport infrastructure in the country.

He also stressed that shippers’ council was working towards actualising modern VTAs in Nigeria.

He expressed optimism that the joint technical committee would make concerted effort to see to the realisation of the project.
According to him, Adamawa is strategically positioned for the establishment of VTAs and BICs.

On his part, the governor said the development of VTAs at Ngurore and Sahuda at the border as well as BICs in Mubi, topped their discussions when they met in Abuja.

Fintiri lauded NSC boss for his commitment towards the development of the facilities in Adamawa, noting that the transport infrastructure would not only serve the Adamawa but also neighbouring countries like Cameroun, Chad and the Central African Republic.

He expressed optimism that the development of the VTAs would address indiscriminate parking of trucks on roads in the state.

Responding to concerns about insecurity, the governor said the state has put in place measures, which have resulted in the reduction of crimes to the barest minimum.

The terms of reference of the implementation committee include collaboration with relevant agencies such as Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) to obtain all the necessary guidelines for the development of VTAs, in line with standard specifications and in compliance with international best practices.