…Projects to boost cross-border commerce, create jobs, ease cargo movement..
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the Kebbi State Government have reaffirmed their commitment to the development of the proposed Tsamiya Inland Dry Port and Vehicle Transit Park, describing the projects as strategic infrastructure that will unlock trade opportunities, create employment and drive economic growth across Nigeria’s North-West and neighbouring West African countries.
The commitment was made during a high-level strategic meeting in Birnin Kebbi between the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, the Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasir Idris, and promoters of the Tsamiya Inland Dry Port project.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Akutah said the proposed Inland Dry Port, located in Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi State, is set to usher in a new era of trade and logistics in the North-West as the Council intensifies efforts to deliver the project.
According to him, beyond serving as an inland cargo handling facility, the project will stimulate economic activities, generate employment, improve cargo movement and strengthen cross-border trade along the Nigeria–Benin Republic corridor while enhancing commercial ties with the Republic of Niger.
Dr. Akutah explained that the Inland Dry Port is a key component of the Federal Government’s strategy to decentralise port services by extending shipping and logistics operations to the hinterland. He noted that the initiative will reduce congestion at the nation’s seaports, improve cargo distribution efficiency and make international trade more accessible to businesses operating away from coastal locations.
He added that Kebbi State’s strategic location within the regional trade corridor positions the Tsamiya Inland Dry Port as a critical gateway for imports and exports, capable of supporting agricultural and industrial value chains while strengthening Nigeria’s regional trade connectivity.
The NSC boss stressed that modern logistics infrastructure is essential to unlocking the economic potential of the corridor and supporting the increasing volume of cargo and commercial activities expected within the region.
Responding, Governor Nasir Idris commended the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the project promoters for their commitment to the initiative, describing the project as fully aligned with his administration’s vision of developing inland dry ports to boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), stimulate economic activities and create sustainable employment opportunities for the people of Kebbi State.
The Governor also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that its focus on infrastructure development is laying a strong foundation for economic transformation. He highlighted ongoing Federal Government projects in the state, including the Illela–Badagry Super Highway, which he said will improve connectivity, facilitate trade and complement the operations of the proposed Inland Dry Port.
Governor Idris further assured investors of adequate security, revealing that the Federal Government is constructing Army barracks and a Police post along the project corridor to protect investments and guarantee the safe movement of goods and people.
As part of efforts to strengthen the region’s logistics network, Dr. Akutah also announced plans for a Vehicle Transit Park along the Lagos–Sokoto Super Highway.
He explained that the facility will provide truck drivers with a secure and organised environment to rest, refuel and access essential services during transit, while improving road safety, reducing travel delays, enhancing freight efficiency and creating new business opportunities around the park.
Providing an update on the project’s implementation, the NSC Executive Secretary disclosed that the project promoters have submitted all required documentation to the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), where the application is currently undergoing processing.
He expressed confidence that once the Certificate of Compliance is issued, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council will immediately commence the next phase of implementation.
The meeting followed an earlier inspection of the proposed project site by officials of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, underscoring the Council’s commitment to ensuring all regulatory and procedural requirements are completed ahead of the project’s take-off.
The Tsamiya Inland Dry Port is one of several inland port projects being championed by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to expand access to port services, reduce logistics costs, deepen regional integration and support the Federal Government’s vision of building an efficient multimodal transport system that will drive sustainable economic growth.
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