Expert Tasks FG On Dry Ports

Mr Philip Egeolu, a maritime consultant, on Tuesday advised
the Federal Government to ensure speedy completion of the Inland Container
Depots (ICDs) otherwise known as dry ports.

Egeolu, who is the Managing Partner at Multiser Consulting,
told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the established dry ports
should not be left fallow.

According to him, the usage of the ports will create massive
employment and business opportunities in their various towns and cities.

The consultant said that the dry ports would also help to
de-congest the seaports in the country

Egeolu said that lots of opportunities abound in Nigerian
coastal waters and inland waterways which included transportation of goods and
passengers.

He urged the government to assist investors in acquiring
ferries, tug boats, barges and others to create immense job opportunities in
the maritime industry.

Our correspondent reports that dry ports were established to
decongest the seaports and bring port services closer to customers in the
hinterland.

The ICDs projects are being executed by concessionaires
under the auspices of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.

The Federal Executive Council, on March 15, 2006, approved
the commencement of the projects at six locations under Build, Own, Operate and
Transfer (BOOT) system.

The dry ports are located at Isiala-Ngwa in Abia, Ibadan,
Kano, Jos, Funtua and Maiduguri.