The Executive Secretary/CEO, of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council NSC, Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, and Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, have made strong moves to improve North-West Trade, with the reaffirmation of their commitment to develop the proposed Tsamiya Inland Dry Port IDP, and Vehicle Transit Park.
They described the projects as strategic infrastructure that will bring transformation to trade, create jobs and stimulate economic growth across Nigeria’s North-West and neighbouring West African countries.
The commitment by both NSC and Kebbi State government, was during the meeting between the Executive Secretary of NSC, Akutah, and Governor Nasir Idris in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.
Akutah said that the proposed Tsamiya IDP project in Bagudo Local Government Area of the state will open a new chapter for trade and logistics in Nigeria’s North-West, adding that the NSC is working hard to actualize the project.
Akutah added that beyond providing an inland cargo handling facility, the project is targeted at stimulating economic activities, creating employment opportunities, as well as improving cargo movement.
According to Business Transport Online report, he said this will strengthen cross-border trade along the Nigeria–Benin Republic corridor, and enhance commercial links with neighbouring Niger Republic.
The NSC CEO disclosed that the Inland Dry Port was part of the Federal Government’s broader agenda to decentralise port services by extending shipping and logistics operations to the hinterland.
He further explained that the initiative will reduce pressure on the nation’s seaports, improve the efficiency of cargo distribution, and make international trade more accessible to businesses operating far from the coastal ports.
According to him, the Kebbi State occupies a strategic position within the regional trade network, making the Tsamiya Inland Dry Port a critical infrastructure for facilitating the movement of imports and exports, supporting agricultural and industrial value chains, and strengthening Nigeria’s trade connectivity with neighbouring countries.
He stated that unlocking the economic potential of the trade corridor requires modern logistics infrastructure capable of supporting the growing volume of cargo and commercial activities expected within the region.
The Kebbi State Governor, H.E Governor Nasir Idris commended the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the project promoters for their commitment to advancing the initiative.
He affirmed that the Tsamiya Inland Dry Port aligns with his administration’s policy of developing inland dry ports across Kebbi State to boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), stimulate economic activities and create employment opportunities for the people of the state.
The Governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing its strong emphasis on infrastructure development as a critical driver of economic transformation.
He further highlighted ongoing Federal Government projects in the state, including the construction of the Illela–Badagry Super Highway, which is expected to improve connectivity, facilitate trade and complement the operations of the proposed Inland Dry Port.
The Governor assured the delegation that security arrangements are also being strengthened to support the successful implementation of the project. According to him, the Federal Government is constructing Army Barracks and a Police Post along the project corridor to enhance security, safeguard investments, and ensure the safe movement of goods and persons within the area.
