Tinubu commissions Funtua Inland Dry Port to support economic diversification.
In his address, President Tinubu highlighted the strategic importance of the Funtua Inland Dry Port, stating that it is the third to be completed and commissioned among the six legacy Inland Dry Port projects spread across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones. He emphasized the port’s potential to enhance the ease of conducting international business for interior-based shippers, aligning with the government’s commitment to diversify the economy towards non-oil exports.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, underscored the suitability of Katsina State for hosting an inland dry port, citing its agricultural prowess and industrial presence. Governor of Katsina State, Dr Dikko Umar Radda, commended the Federal Government for completing the dry port and highlighted the state’s contributions to the project, including allocating land and building a carriage for the port.
The Funtua Inland Dry Port is expected to grant importers and exporters located within Nigeria’s inland cities, as well as neighbouring hinterland countries such as Niger, Chad, Northern Cameroon, and Central Africa, access to shipping and port services without the need to physically visit seaports. This is seen as a significant step towards reducing logistical challenges and promoting trade efficiency.
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Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Puis Ukeyima Akutah, expressed optimism about the port’s contribution to economic growth, stating, “The port will contribute immensely to the economic growth of the state and the country.”
The completion and commissioning of the Funtua Inland Dry Port signify a significant leap forward in Nigeria’s quest for economic diversification and improved trade infrastructure. As the nation continues to focus on non-oil exports and trade facilitation, the inauguration of the port marks a positive development towards achieving these goals.
