Nigeria to boost its economy through dry ports

The Nigerian government says it is working on enhancing the capacity of its dry ports in order to boost the economy and create employment opportunities.

The Managing Director of Dala Inland dry ports in Kano state, North West Nigeria, Mr Ahmed Rabiu told Voice of Nigeria in an interview that the significance of inland dry ports to the nation’s economy cannot be overemphasised, especially as the government finds new ways to grow the country’s Gross Domestic Product GDP.

He explained that the Dala Dry Port services Nigeria’s neighbouring countries and serves as a window among these countries to do business conveniently.

He said this has greatly improved commercial activities in Kano state, northern Nigeria’s biggest commercial hub.

“The whole idea about Inland dry ports is that it facilitates delivery of cargo from door to door that is from the door of the manufacturer to the door of the ultimate buyers and these ports serve as access points for countries to do business together.

“The system also helps those that have poor access to portable water such as Niger Republic and there is a need to trade with those countries for improved balance of trade and boost the economy of the neighboring countries as enshrined in the United Nations law.”

Ahmed also spoke about the challenges that was experienced before the establishment of the Dala Dry Port which has spurred the leadership to deliver well on its mandate.

“There was a high interest in the project from people right from the minster of Transportation to the Nigerian Shippers council which is an agent of government that is tasked with the actualisation of the project and a policy was brought normally but the commitment to implement was poor which led to the delay of the project since 2006 until the coming of president Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Transportation Engineer Muhammed Sanbo.”

He explained that with the Dry Port in full swing of activities, there will be employment generation, promotion of exportation and a resultant increase in the country’s Gross Domestic Product.