The  Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has introduced the operational manual for inland dry port projects.

The operational manual was officially launched in Jos on Thursday.

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NSC, Mr Akutah Pius, made this known in a statement he issued on Friday.

He said that the council had played a pivotal role in ensuring the development of inland dry ports across designated locations in the country.

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He said that the  Jos Inland Dry in Heipang was one of the dry port projects being facilitated by the NSC to bring shipping facilities to shippers in the hinterlands.

“It is also to create employment opportunities for citizens and accrue substantial revenue to the government,” he said.

He said that, with concerted efforts of the host state government and other key players, the Jos Inland Dry Port project would soon become a reality.

According to him, the Jos Inland Dry Port is strategically located to serve not only the host state but also  neighbouring states.

He noted that the Plateau State Investment and Property Development Company had acquired Jos Inland Dry Port from Duncan Maritime Services Ltd. in 2022.

He said that with the new development, the new concessionaires and the host state government would drive the project.

Pius quoted  Plateau Gov. Caleb Murtfwang as describing the launching of the Inland Dry Port as a milestone, considering the economic potential of the state.

Pius also quoted Plateau Commissioner for Commerce, Mr Musa Sule, as describing Nigerian Shippers’ Council as a key partner in the development of the port project.

He also quoted the Coordinator, North Central Zone of the council, Alhaji Ahmed Umar, as saying that  the launching of the operational manual was to adequately guide stakeholders and operators on how best to use  inland dry ports.

He equally  quoted the President of Plateau State Shippers Association, Hajia Aisa Bashir, as giving the assurance of the  association’s readiness to enlighten shippers on the operational manual.