Mr Hassan Bello, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers Council, said that the Jos Dry Port would boost the economy of Plateau and North Central part of Nigeria when completed.
Bello said this on Wednesday in Jos during a courtesy visit on Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau.
The executive secretary said that the ongoing dry port project also known as Inland Container Depot (ICD) would be of international level with all the facilities of a standard port.
He said that Nigeria was going through a difficult phase that required very important decisions to revitalise its economy, stressing that the port would contribute significantly to the economy of the region.
Bello explained that the port would directly employ 1,000 persons while 2,000 would be engaged indirectly.
“The port has the status like Port Harcourt and it is unique in that it can be accessed by road, rail and is near an airport.
“It will be an export free zone, which means that products can be exported from Jos.
“There will be a customs office in the port and excise duty will be paid here in Jos,” he said.
The executive secretary commended the state government for promptly addressing some of the issues that inhibited the completion of ICD which was initiated during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure.
He charged Duncan Nigerian Limited, the Concessionaire, to step up work to complete the project.
Gov. Lalong urged stakeholders involved in the port construction to step up work to ensure its completion.
“I have seen the advantages and I want to assure you that we will give you the maximum support to succeed,” he said.
Lalong said that he had met with Minister of Transport, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, to lend his support to the completion of the project
