By Peter Usman,
The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA and the Nigerian Shippers Council are to establish a dry port and truck transit terminal valued at over $150 Million.
The partnership is the outcome of a working visit by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, NSC, Hassan Bello and his management team to the FCT Minister, Muhammad Musa Bello.
Receiving the team, the FCT Minister stated that the Abuja master-plan envisaged a dry port and truck transit terminals in the territory, noting that the current growth and development being experienced in the FCT was indicative that Abuja is ripe for all the necessary complements of a mega city.
He announced that a joint team would be constituted to work out the modalities for the implementation of the projects.
Bello informed his guests that the Idu Station is Abuja’s transportation hub, ensuring connectivity by road, air and rail linking Eastern, Northern and Western lines.
The Minister disclosed that there is also a spur rail line from Minna in Niger State, to Abuja, envisaged to connect to the Baro Port.
He urged the management of the Council to factor these provisions in the project and investment plan.
Bello stated that there is already a bus terminal under construction in Abuja before he invited the partnership of the Shippers Council, adding that FCT could leverage the network of the Council in attracting investors and partners for the project.
This also includes the Dei Dei International Cattle Market”, which Bello described as, “a massive centre for the transshipment of cattle, fruits and vegetables”, saying the place is also ripe for development.
FCT Minister added that they already have a policy governing the operation of articulated vehicles regarding when and where they could ply and that the FCTA was working to strengthen the institutional framework for the enforcement of the regulations.
He congratulated the NSC team on the passage of the Bill transforming them into the National Transport Commission, NTC and appealed to the Council to do something on illegal reconstruction of truck to carry loads above their required tonnage.
Responding, the Executive Secretary of the council, noted that the Nigerian Shippers Council was established in 1978 as an intervention agency with functions such the development of infrastructure on marine, roads , inland waterways and airports.
Hassan Bello stated that the Transportation Sector is responsible for up to 2.5 percent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP.
He commended the FCT Administration for the successful completion of the Abuja Light Rail project as well as the various land mark accomplishments in the area of infrastructure.
