“I believe Zulum on six months target” ~ Says NSC Executive Secretary

By Abdul Kareem

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has announced that the Maiduguri dry inland port will begin operations in six months.

He made this announcement on Wednesday in Lagos while addressing journalists after a courtesy call to the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Pius Akutah.

The Governor expressed confidence that the establishment of the inland dry port would boost the state’s economy and provide job opportunities for young people. He stated, “Establishing the inland dry port in Maiduguri will create numerous opportunities for the government and people of Borno State. It will generate employment, taking thousands of young people off the streets, which is very important.”

Zulum added, “Borno State shares a border with three countries: Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. The inland dry port will enhance trans-border trade. This is what we are striving for. Improved relations with our neighboring countries will boost the national economy and increase our GDP.”

He also commented, “We are shifting our focus from a mono-economy based on oil by investing in other opportunities. I believe Nigeria will achieve great progress soon.”

The Governor highlighted that the Federal Government is working to rehabilitate rail lines under President Bola Tinubu’s initiatives. “They are in the process of rehabilitating all the roads, with thousands of trucks entering Maiduguri daily,” he noted. “Establishing a good road system will expedite the process. Even without rail, the current road transportation system is sufficient for the inland dry port.”

On his part, the Executive Secretary of the NSC, Pius Akutah, emphasized that the Maiduguri Dry Inland Port would significantly boost trans-border trade. He stated, “As the Governor mentioned, it is crucial for Borno State, bordering Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, to have an Inland Dry Port. The benefits are substantial.”

“With the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) in place, the need for this critical infrastructure in Maiduguri cannot be overstated,” Akutah continued. “I have visited Borno and witnessed the Governor’s commitment to the state’s development.”

Akutah added, “When the Governor says six months, I believe him. The necessary infrastructure, like the transit park area, is already developed. It is essential for those involved to recognize the political will and collaborate swiftly to make the project a reality. This initiative is private sector-driven, so both entities must agree and expedite the process.”

This version corrects the spelling, reduces repetition, clarifies the use of “IDP,” and attributes quotes more clearly.