By ABDULLAHI RABIU, Kano
THE Nigerian Shippers Council and Federal Ministry of Transport have launched its operational Manual for Inland Dry Ports in Nigeria aimed providing an enabling environment for all IDP projects nation wide.
Making the disclosure on Wednesday in Kano during the official launching of the manual Executive Secretary, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Shippers Council Rt Honourable Emmanuel L. Jime described launching of the Operational Manual as another milestone in the successful development and operation of IDP Projects in Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary said the strategic importance of the operational manual is to articulate the step by step procedures for receiving, storing, handling and delivery of Cargoes.
Accroding to him, the Inland Dry ports were conceived as part of Federal government’s reform programme in the Transport sector to promote efficient transportation and enhanced efficiency at our ports.
Jime said the federal Executive Council had granted approval for the establishment of inland Dry Ports in March, 2006 at Six locations across the Country
He enumerated the names of some of the ports as Isala -Ngwa in Abia state, Erunmu Ibadan in Oyo state, Heipang Jos in plateau states, Funtua, Maiduguri, Dala in Katsina, Borno, and Kano states which will be commissioned very soon among others.
” This Manual would be used as a measure of performance by the regulator and will be subjected to future review to be in tandem with obtainable best practices based on the agreement of the two parties.
On his part the minister of transport Alhaji Mua’zu who was represented by the Director Inland container Deport Mr Ewache A. Victor said the Manual is based on international best practices, adapted to the local Nigerian context and each dry port would have its organization, layout, and services offered to their Clients
” I am happy to observe that the Ministry and Nigerian Shippers’ Council is already to collaborate with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Customs Service and other stakeholders to ensure its implementation.
He said at this point, it is pertinent to recognize the fact that behind anything that is working, somebody is at work. Within this understanding, I wish to thank the leadership of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council for their commitment in lauching the operational manual
About The Author
