The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Akutah, has highlighted that strong cooperation between the Abia State Government and the concessionaires of the Isiala Ngwa Inland Dry Port (IDP) will unlock significant economic opportunities for both Abia State and the entire South-East region.

During a courtesy visit to Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, Akutah noted that the IDP has the potential to transform the region into a prominent commercial hub in the South-East.

He described the initiative as a vital economic catalyst that will drive development across the state and surrounding areas.

The dry port which was initially gazetted in 2006 had remained inactive but is now being revived through efforts led by the NSC, which aims to improve inland connectivity and decentralise the country’s maritime activities.

Akutah also underlined the dry port’s role in shifting maritime operations inland and strengthening the logistics network within Nigeria’s interior trade routes.

In response, Governor Otti thanked the Shippers’ Council Executive Secretary and his delegation for the visit.

He expressed a strong commitment to seeing the Inland Dry Port become operational in the state.

Otti also underscored the importance of a functional railway system to ensure the seamless movement of cargo from the seaports to the dry port, ultimately lowering transport costs and enhancing trade efficiency.

The NSC reiterated its commitment to delivering the technical and regulatory assistance required to make the dry port a key contributor to economic development.