The Nigerian Shippers Council of Nigeria has reaffirmed its determination in reforming the transport sector to enhance the efficiency of the Ports for trade facilitation.
The Executive Secretary of the Council, Mr. Emmanuel Jime stated this during the launching of the operational manual for inland dry ports in Nigeria, which took place in Kano.
The Executive Secretary who was represented by the Director of inland transport, Mr. Philip Eduwa said the council was saddled with the responsibility of supervising and implementing the agency of the Dry port projects in Nigeria by the federal government and it would not relent in ensuring the set objectives were being achieved.
He said the federal executive council has approved the establishment of inland Dry Ports in March 2006, at the six geopolitical locations across the country.
Mr. Emanuel Jime noted the importance of producing the manual was to articulate the procedures for receiving, storing, handling, and delivery of cargoes as well as highlighting the operations.
” This operational manual which will be launched in Kano, Port Harcourt, and Lagos, provides detailed processes and procedures for the main activities of the inland Dry Ports “
In his remark, the Minister of State for Transport, Gbemisola Ruqayya Saraki represented the Deputy Director inland container, Mr. Ewache Victor said the Inland Dry Port Projects were conceived as part of the Federal Government’s Ports reform program designed among others to decongest the seaports.
“While also taking shipping and port services closer to importers and exporters in the hinterland. Subsequently, in March 2006 the Federal Executive Council approved the establishment of this critical transport infrastructure at chosen locations across the country and concession to private sector operators on a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) strategic framework to Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) model.”
Earlier, the Kano State Commissioner for Commerce Ibrahim Mukhtar applauded the foresight of the shipper’s council for launching the operational manual.
The ceremony was graced by government officials and other stakeholders.
Abdullahi Jalaluddeen
