President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned the long-awaited Funtua Inland Dry Port project in Funtua, Katsina State.
He was represented at the commissioning of the facility by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
In his welcome address, Tinubu lauded the state government, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), the management of Funtua Inland Dry Port and other stakeholders for their pivotal role in making the project a reality.
The president said Funtua Inland Dry Port is strategically positioned to serve not only Katsina State but also neighbouring countries like Chad and Niger Republic, adding that the dry port project was in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of the present administration.
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He called on the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to ensure that the other designated dry port locations are completed.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the dry port project was designed to decongest the seaports and bring shipping services to the hinterland.
The minister said the dry port project’s initiative will promote the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the northern region.
In his goodwill message, the Governor of Katsina State, Dr Dikko Umar Radda, said his administration is determined to make Katsina State an investment haven.
He said the dry port project is a transport infrastructure project that is seamless and will facilitate the movement of goods.
He called on the agencies that would be working at the Funtua Inland Dry Port to exhibit understanding and professionalism in their operations.
The Chairman, Funtua Inland Dry Port, Alhaji (Dr) Umaru Abdul Mutallab, expressed profound appreciation to the dignitaries at the commissioning of the Funtua Inland Dry Port.
According to him, in 2006, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council identified Funtua as a viable place for the establishment of a dry port project in Katsina State through Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) arrangement and appreciated those behind the success of the dry port project in the state.
In his vote of thanks, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Pius Akutah, MON, said the port will contribute immensely to the economic growth of the state and the country at large.
He pointed out that the council will continue to support the operations of the Funtua Inland Dry Port and also gave the assistance of the staff to attend to their complaints and help in resolving them.
