By ebosele@hotmail.com –
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the Kebbi State Government have reaffirmed their commitment to the development of the proposed Tsamiya Inland Dry Port and Vehicle Transit Park, describing the projects as strategic infrastructure that will transform trade, create jobs and drive economic growth across Nigeria’s North-West and neighbouring West African countries.
City Business News reports that the commitment was made during a strategic meeting between the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the NSC, Pius Akutah, promoters of the Tsamiya Inland Dry Port project, and Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, in Birnin Kebbi.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Akutah said the proposed Tsamiya Inland Dry Port in Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi State would open a new chapter for trade and logistics in Nigeria’s North-West as the Council intensifies efforts to bring the project to fruition.
He explained that beyond serving as an inland cargo handling facility, the dry port is expected to stimulate economic activities, create employment opportunities, improve cargo movement, and strengthen cross-border trade along the Nigeria-Benin Republic corridor while enhancing commercial links with neighbouring Niger Republic.
According to him, the project forms part of the Federal Government’s broader agenda of decentralising port services by extending shipping and logistics operations to the hinterland. He noted that the initiative would reduce pressure on the nation’s seaports, improve cargo distribution efficiency, and make international trade more accessible to businesses located far from the coastal ports.
Akutah further stated that Kebbi State’s strategic position within the regional trade network makes the Tsamiya Inland Dry Port a critical infrastructure for facilitating imports and exports, supporting agricultural and industrial value chains, and strengthening Nigeria’s trade connectivity with neighbouring countries.
He stressed that unlocking the economic potential of the trade corridor requires modern logistics infrastructure capable of supporting the growing volume of cargo and commercial activities expected within the region.
Responding, Governor Idris commended the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the project promoters for their commitment to advancing the initiative.
He said the Tsamiya Inland Dry Port aligns with his administration’s policy of developing inland dry ports across Kebbi State to boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), stimulate economic activities and create employment opportunities.
The governor also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing its strong focus on infrastructure development as a catalyst for economic transformation. He highlighted ongoing Federal Government projects in the state, including the Illela-Badagry Super Highway, which he said would improve connectivity, facilitate trade and complement the operations of the proposed Inland Dry Port.
Governor Idris assured the delegation that security arrangements were being strengthened to support the successful implementation of the project, disclosing that the Federal Government is constructing Army barracks and a police post along the project corridor to safeguard investments and ensure the safe movement of goods and people.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Dr. Akutah also announced plans for the development of a Vehicle Transit Park along the Lagos-Sokoto Super Highway.
He explained that the facility would provide a secure and organised environment where truck drivers can rest, refuel and access essential services while in transit, adding that it would improve road safety, reduce travel delays, enhance freight movement and stimulate economic activities through the emergence of businesses and support services around the park.
Providing an update on the implementation process, the NSC boss disclosed that the promoters of the Tsamiya Inland Dry Port Project had submitted the required documentation to the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), where the application is currently undergoing processing.
He expressed optimism that once the Certificate of Compliance is issued by the Commission, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council will immediately advance the next phase of the project towards commencement.
The meeting with Governor Idris followed an earlier inspection of the proposed project site by officials of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, underscoring the Council’s commitment to ensuring that all regulatory and procedural requirements are completed ahead of the project’s take-off.
The Tsamiya Inland Dry Port is one of several inland port initiatives being promoted by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to expand access to port services, reduce logistics costs, promote regional integration and support the Federal Government’s vision of building an efficient multimodal transport system capable of driving sustainable economic growth.
