Absence of affordable transport infrastructure hinders Ntigha Inland Dry Port project

Abia State Government has stated that the proposed Inland Dry Port at Avo Ntigha, in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of the State remains a strategic initiative, but must be economically viable to attract patronage.

Governor Alex Otti, who made this known while hosting members of the Abia State Shippers Association, noted that the absence of affordable and efficient transport infrastructure, particularly rail connectivity, poses a challenge to the project’s success.

The proposed inland dry port at Ntigha, was one of the six legacy projects of the Federal Government, entrusted to “Eastgate Inland Container Limited, through a concession.

Other gazetted inland dry ports in Nigeria are Hipang, Jos, Plateau State, Funtua, Katsina State, Dala, Kano State, Hauri, Maiduguri, Bornu State and Erunmu, Ibadan, in Oyo State.

The Kaduna container deport was later upgraded to the status of an Inland Dry Port and was commissioned in 2018.

Apart from Kaduna, Dala Dry Port in Kano State having attained practical level of completion, was inaugurated by former President Muhammadu Buhari, now late, on January 30, 2023.

Funtua Inland Dry Port in Katsina State, following the attainment of the minimum standard level of completion, was declared as a Port of Origin and Destination for import/ export cargoes by the former Minister Minister of Transportation on February 2, 2023.

Meanwhile, actual construction work has not started at the Ntigha Dry Port, which is touted to be the most viable of all the Dry Ports liscenced, by the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC).

“You can build the Dry Port, but if it does not make economic sense to the businessmen, who will use it, nobody will patronise it.

“Until we deal with rail transport and access logistics, it will be difficult to achieve the desired results”, he said.

Governor Otti noted that traders and importers, would naturally gravitate towards routes and facilities that minimise cost and delivery time.

On the allegation extortion and harassment, by some government agencies, Governor Otti urged members of the association to promptly report cases of harassment, illegal sealing of warehouses and extortion to relevant government agencies, as part of efforts to end criminality and strengthen law and order in the state.

The governor, reiterated his administration’s resolve to eliminate extortion and other forms of lawlessness

He noted that the State Government, would not tolerate acts capable of undermining economic activities and public confidence.

Governor Otti, expressed concern over the alleged extortion by hoodlums and individuals posing as security operatives, describing it as the first formal report of such incidents brought before him adding that it would be thoroughly investigated, with all those involved arrested and made to face the provisions of the law.

“There is a government here, any man who shows up in a warehouse and wants to break in or seal it illegally must be reported immediately.

“One of the major things we have achieved here is to restore law and order, whoever you are, you must respect the law. We do not tolerate extortion, self-help or lawlessness in any form.

“This matter must be thoroughly investigated, and all those involved must be arrested and made to face the provisions of the law”, he said.

Governor Otti directed his Chief of Staff to ensure that the allegations were thoroughly investigated and measures put in place to prevent a recurrence.

He maintained that the majority of Abia residents appreciates the State Government’s efforts in promoting the rule of law, respect for human rights and equal opportunities, assuring that his administration, would continue to act in the best interest of the people.

Olo Onuma, chairman, Board of Trustees of the Abia State Shippers Association, had earlier commended the Governor for what he described, as remarkable achievements within a short period in office.

Onuma, however, appealed for urgent government intervention in reviving the Abia Inland Dry Port project, stressing its potential to boost international trade and create employment opportunities.

“We urge you , Sir to bring your midas touch to bear in this Abia State Inland Dry Port Project.

“The realisation of this dry port project will enormously enhance our international trade, increase employment within the state and of course leave further footprints of your in the sands of time here in Abia”, he said.

He decried the growing activities of hoodlums and alleged extortionists, claiming that members of the association, including artisans, fabric dealers, and shoe and bag makers, have suffered significant losses.

“Unfortunately, Your Excellency, a new gang of these extortionists have emerged and they are colluding with some government officials to cause havoc.

“They are extorting money from our members at our warehouses, offices and when we are offloading our cargoes.

“Specifically, these extortionists have engaged personnel from Standard Organisation Nigeria (SON), hiding behind the organisation to perpetrate their dubious activities.

“Furthermore, the extortionists also wait at the Army Brigade within the state, and arranges for soldiers to perpetrate the illegality”, he alleged.

He called on the State government to expedite action in tackling the menace, particularly in Aba, and urged greater awareness of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to enable local manufacturers tap into export opportunities.

He explained that the trade framework allows eligible Sub-Saharan African countries to export manufactured goods, especially garments, to the United States on favourable terms.