Kaduna dry port to facilitate trade, employment, says Yusuf

THE Kaduna Inland Container Depot (ICD) is to commence full operations before the end of this year (2015).

Already, the Federal Government has declared the facility as a port of origin and final destination. The declaration is contained in a government gazette No. 60 Vol.102 of 26th of May 2015 titled Kaduna Dry Port Declaration Order, 2015.

The gazette, which was signed by the former Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, has now upgraded the Inland Containers Nigeria Ltd (ICNL). Bonded Terminal, Kaduna to the status of a Dry Port of Origin and final destination.

The newly designated port with the capacity to handle 29,000 containers per annum, according to the gazette, shall be a Customs port in accordance with the provisions of the Customs and Exercise Management Act, Cap. C 45 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2014.

Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Inland Container Nigeria Limited ICNL, Ismail A. Yusuf, explained on Monday that the company has concluded arrangement to partner Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and other haulage companies.

He explained that the facility is designed to serve as port of origin and destination, adding, “This will boost the economy of Nigeria and create jobs”.

He said the company is working in collaboration with the Kaduna State Government, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and security agencies, among others.

Apart from facilitating trade, the facility according to Yusuf would generate revenue for the state and Federal Government.