The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has confirmed that three Inland Dry Ports (IDPs) across the country are now fully operational, even as it expressed strong willingness to support the development of the long-awaited Makurdi Inland River Port in Benue State.
This was disclosed by the Executive Secretary of the NSC, Dr. Pius Akutah, during a courtesy visit by the Benue Shippers Association to the Council’s Liaison Office in Abuja. The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration and addressing the challenges confronting shippers in Benue State.
NSC Reaffirms Commitment to Benue IDP and Makurdi River Port
Receiving the delegation, Dr. Akutah stated that Shippers’ Council offices nationwide exist primarily to serve shippers and provide the needed support for trade facilitation. He assured the delegation that the newly allocated site for the NSC Makurdi Area Office would include space for the Benue Shippers Association to operate.
He emphasized the Council’s commitment to protecting shippers’ interests, noting that although only three IDPs are currently functional, the Benue Inland Dry Port project remains a priority due to its strategic economic benefits.
Dr. Akutah revealed that the NSC has already communicated with the Benue State Government on the project and is willing to support additional plans for a Makurdi River Port, which would further expand logistics options for farmers, traders, and regional exporters.
“The Council is ready to partner with the government to ensure these ideas come to life,” he stated.
NSC to Strengthen Sensitization and Training for Shippers
On capacity building, Dr. Akutah noted that the NSC is eager to train both established and upcoming shippers. The training will focus on essential programmes such as the Cargo Defence Fund, while plans are underway to establish Border Information Centres to enhance trade processes across the North-Central region.
Supporting his remarks, the Director of Consumer Affairs, Mrs. Ify Okolue, assured the delegation that the Council would intensify sensitization efforts and provide capacity-building programmes for shippers in Benue.
The Director of Human Resources Management, Mr. Mustapha Zubairu, encouraged the Association to sustain its advocacy for the Benue IDP, noting that strong stakeholder engagement is vital for the project’s success.
Similarly, the Director of the North-Central Zonal Coordinating Office, Dr. Jeremiah Okoliko, confirmed that stakeholders in the region have shown interest in supporting the proposed IDP.
Benue Shippers Highlight Urgent Need for Logistics Infrastructure
Earlier, the delegation’s leader, Dr. Mhir Aii Iyenge, outlined the major challenges faced by Benue shippers. These include:
- an urgent need for an Inland Dry Port to support farmers and traders
- inadequate logistics facilities for neighbouring states such as Taraba and Adamawa
- lack of operational office space for the association
- limited awareness of NSC programmes and initiatives
He appealed for increased support and sensitization to help shippers understand key opportunities available through the NSC.
A Boost for Benue’s Trade and Agricultural Economy
The meeting underscores the critical role of logistics infrastructure in boosting economic activity across the North-Central zone. A functional Inland Dry Port and River Port in Makurdi would significantly enhance export capability, reduce transportation costs, support agribusiness, and create new trade corridors for the region.
With renewed commitment from the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and growing stakeholder support, the prospects for Benue’s long-awaited port projects appear more promising than ever.
