By Olaitan Ibrahim
The Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) has announced that the Kaduna dry port has received and cleared over 500 containers of goods in the past three months.
Buba Danjuma, Director of the Kaduna Port Office, confirmed this on Saturday while speaking to journalists at the 46th Kaduna International Trade Fair.
He described the dry port as a critical hub, officially recognized as both a port of origin and destination for cargo.
Danjuma emphasized that the facility plays a vital role in facilitating exports and imports from Kaduna to various global destinations, boosting trade access. He also highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to improving railway operations, which he said would enhance dry port activities and increase cargo capacity.
“Local goods will flow seamlessly between Lagos and Kaduna. With railway operations, container deliveries in Kaduna are expected to exceed 1,000 within the same period,” he stated.
The sensitization session at the trade fair, according to Danjuma, was aimed at educating stakeholders about the Council’s role in facilitating trade and ensuring smooth business operations.
He reiterated that the NSC has been instrumental in promoting the maritime industry by establishing dry ports in inland areas to stimulate trade and economic growth. Additionally, the Council is working to establish more dry ports nationwide to provide alternatives to traditional seaports.
Danjuma also revealed that the NSC has set up Border Information Centres in locations such as Idi Roko, Jibia, and Illela to offer vital information and support to shippers navigating international trade.
He emphasized that all the Council’s services are free, aimed at improving shipping efficiency, and warned shippers to be cautious of online scams.