After so many years of expectations, the Funtua Inland Dry Port located in Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State, has commenced commercial activities. This followed the arrival of the first cargo to the port on Monday nine months after its inauguration by President Bola Tinubu.
On May 9, 2024, the dry port was inaugurated by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume who represented the President.
Receiving the port’s maiden cargo, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Akutah, expressed excitement for the commencement of commercial activities at the port.
Akutah, represented by the North-west Director of the Council, Kareematu Usman, said the port would unlock Nigeria’s economic potential and facilitate trade with landlocked countries like Niger and Chad Republic.
He said: “The development of Inland Dry Ports across the country is an initiative of the Nigerian Shippers Council. The council is just like a mother that got pregnant and gave birth to the inland dry ports and today is a happy day for us.”
Akutah enjoined youths within and outside the host state to venture into business, adding that the port has brought shipping and port services closer to the importers and exporters at the hinterland, noting that the North-west region now has three inland dry ports.
Earlier, the Managing Director of the Funtua Inland Dry Port, Ahmed Ibrahim-Dodo, wooed importers and exporters to patronise the port for their business activities.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Port, Dr. Umar Mutallab, represented by Tijjani Dandutse, said the port would soon receive eight other cargoes.
“We promise to make this place a hub for export. We have gone to market this place in Niger and Chad Republic and we signed a Memorandum of Understanding that all their import and export will come through Funtua,” he said.
