North-East Inland Dry Ports To Boost Regional Trade And AfCFTA Integration, Says Shippers’ Council.
The Nigeria Shippers’ Council has reaffirmed its commitment to the development of inland dry ports in the North-East, describing the initiative as a strategic step towards enhancing regional trade and integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Speaking at a stakeholder meeting in Bauchi on Tuesday, the Council’s Executive Secretary and CEO, Dr Pius Ukeyima Akutah, highlighted the economic benefits of establishing dry ports in the region. He noted that these facilities would not only facilitate import and export activities for Nigeria but also serve neighbouring African countries such as Niger, Chad and Cameroon.
“Implementing inland dry ports in the North-East will attract trade from across the region,” Akutah stated. “This aligns with our national objective of boosting the economy through the blue economy and regional trade integration.”
Dr Akutah commended the region’s contribution to the country’s export efforts, which, he noted, resonates with the current administration’s focus on enhancing Nigeria’s economic resilience. He also acknowledged ongoing progress in Bauchi State, where development on an inland dry port has reached approximately 70% of its initial phase.
“If I’m not mistaken, the project received approval during President Obasanjo’s administration,” he said. “We are nearing the stage where an implementation committee can be inaugurated. Borno State is also advancing plans for a dry port, and we were honoured to receive a visit from its governor in Lagos — one of only three governors to do so.”
He further revealed that Gombe State had also expressed interest in establishing an inland dry port, indicating a healthy level of competition among states in the region.
“We’ve seen similar developments in the North-West, where Kano, Kaduna and Katsina all host dry ports. There’s no reason why the North-East cannot replicate that success,” Akutah said.
He emphasised the importance of critical infrastructure to support cross-border trade and attract regional cargo flows into Nigeria through the North-East.
“With Nigeria’s full participation in the AfCFTA, we are now part of a trading bloc of over 1.3 billion people. Our population is one of our biggest assets, and it positions us to benefit immensely from the free trade area,” he added.
Stakeholders from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe were present at the meeting and raised various challenges facing the shipping sector in the region. They urged the Council to help create an enabling environment to encourage investment and business growth.
Also in attendance were Bauchi State Commissioners for Commerce and Industry, Salis Gamawa, and for Works and Transport, Engr Titus Saul Ketkuka, alongside key industry players.
The Shippers’ Council reiterated its dedication to fostering efficient trade corridors and pledged to collaborate with state governments and private stakeholders to realise the inland dry port vision for the North-East.
