The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius, and Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, have reaffirmed their commitment to the development of the proposed Tsamiya Inland Dry Port and Vehicle Transit Park, describing the projects as strategic infrastructure that will transform trade, create jobs and stimulate economic growth across Nigeria’s North-West and neighbouring West African countries.
The commitment was made during a strategic meeting between the NSC management, promoters of the Tsamiya Inland Dry Port project and the Kebbi State Government in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.
Speaking at the meeting, Akutah disclosed that the proposed Tsamiya Inland Dry Port project in Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi State is expected to open a new chapter for trade and logistics in Nigeria’s North-West as the Nigerian Shippers’ Council intensifies efforts to bring the project to fruition.
Beyond providing an inland cargo handling facility, the project, he said, is projected to stimulate economic activities, create employment opportunities, improve cargo movement and strengthen cross-border trade along the Nigeria–Benin Republic corridor, while enhancing commercial links with neighbouring Niger Republic.
According to Dr. Akutah, the Inland Dry Port forms part of the Federal Government’s broader agenda to decentralise port services by extending shipping and logistics operations to the hinterland. He 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.
He noted that 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.
Dr. Akutah stressed 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.
Responding, the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris expressed appreciation to 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.
Governor Idris 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.
As part of the broader logistics ecosystem, the Executive Secretary, while speaking with journalists, also announced plans for the development of a Vehicle Transit Park along the Lagos–Sokoto Super Highway. He explained that the facility will provide a secure and organised environment where truck drivers can rest, refuel, and access essential services while in transit.
The Transit Park is also expected to improve road safety, reduce travel delays, enhance the efficiency of freight movement and stimulate economic activities through the emergence of businesses, and support services around the facility.
Providing an update on the implementation process, Dr. Akutah disclosed that promoters of the Tsamiya Inland Dry Port Project have submitted the required documentation to the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), where the application is currently undergoing processing.
He expressed optimism that once the Certificate of Compliance is issued by the Commission, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council will immediately advance the next phase of the project towards commencement.
The meeting with Governor Nasir Idris followed an earlier inspection of the proposed project site by officials of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, emphasizing the Council’s commitment to ensuring that all regulatory and procedural requirements are completed ahead of the project’s take-off.
The Tsamiya Inland Dry Port is one of several inland port initiatives being promoted by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to expand access to port services, reduce logistics costs, promote regional integration and support the Federal Government’s vision of building an efficient, multimodal transport system capable of driving sustainable economic growth.
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