As Abians anticipate the commencement of the Proposed Ntigha Dry Port Project in Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has assured that his adminstration is committed to ensuring it’s full realisation.
Governor Ikpeazu stated this, Saturday, when he received a delegation of the East Gate Inland Container Terminal Limited; a Federal Government Concessionaire on the Ntigha Dry Port Project.
The Governor stated that the realization of the project is very important to his administration in its effort to create a better life for the people and promote Trade and Commerce.
He noted that on completion, the Ntigha Dry Port Project will solve shipment and logistics problems encountered by businesses in the South East in addition to creating employment opportunities for the Youths.
Ikpeazu said: “We cannot overemphasise the importance of a Port of destination as it relates to Trade and Commerce and creating a better life for our people.
“We are prepared to take our destinies in our hands and this project is very important to us.
“I want to commit on behalf of government that we will do everything to support this project
“I want the project to reflect the mind and construct of those who conceptualised it and pray that the dry port strategy be deployed as a way of easing trade and commerce in this part of the country”.
The Governor urged the Concessionaire to make available a work plan and timelines for the take off of the project.
In his speech, the Director, East Gate Inland Container Limited, Dr. Kingsley Usoh noted that 75 percent of all containers that come into Lagos are Eastern bound.
He said the Ntigha Dry Port Project is a response to the cry of South East traders, who have for long yearned for a Port of Destination.
Usoh,disclosed that the Dry Port project would create not less than 1.5 million jobs within 18 months adding that at the commencement of the project, the Abia State Government’s IGR would surpass that of Lagos State.
Giving an overview of the Ntigha Dry Port Project,the facilitator, Mr. Darlington Anyanwụ and the Representative of the Secretary of East Gate Inland Container Terminal Limited, Mr. Adolphus Nwachukwu said their visit was to notify the Governor that the agreement has been fully executed between the East Gate Inland Container Terminal Limited, Nigerian Shippers Council and the Chinese investors.
While expressing readiness to commence the project after it’s endorsement by the State government, they duo disclosed that funds for the project have been made available.
