The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Mr. Hassan Bello, says the council has received approval to construct a dry port in Enugu State.

Bello made the announcement in Enugu on Tuesday when he led the management team on a courtesy call on Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

The executive secretary said the depot, which is equivalent to a seaport, when built, with its ancillary services, would impact on the economy of the state.

He said that the council would also build a truck transit park to provide temporary rest locations where truck drivers could conveniently park their vehicles.

According to him, the park will comprise restrooms, restaurants and other basic supplies such as oil and spare parts for servicing of their vehicles.

Bello said that the projects, when fully operational, would impact on the internally generated revenue of the state due to the strategic role of the sector in the economy.

He said that the transit park would be situated at Obollo Afor in Udenu Local Government Area of the state to ease traffic congestion in the area.

The secretary called for urgent construction of the cargo terminal at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu in order to open the economy of the state.

“A state like this should be served with all the means of transportation because unlimited transportation is vital to economic growth.

“These are the three major infrastructure which we think the state government should promote because transport sector is important for economic prosperity.”

Bello noted that the business community was grappling with high cost of transporting their goods to the state, adding that it was necessary to reduce such avoidable costs.

“It is important to reduce transportation costs through Bill of Lading which will enable importers to bring their goods straight to the state from any part of the world.”

Responding, Governor Ugwuanyi commended the council for approving the projects for the state, adding that residents would enjoy their immense benefits when fully operational.

Ugwuanyi pointed out that the government was elated on the possibility of having a dry seaport in the state, which he said would create employment opportunities.

He said that the truck transit park was a very strategic project that would reduce road mishap and carnage involving commuters.

“I believe your visit today is an indication towards a speedy execution of the projects.

“We have taken far reaching steps including donation of land to ensure that the projects become a reality.”

Ugwuanyi said that his administration would continue to offer support towards the realisation of the projects within the shortest time. (NAN)

•Photo shows Gov. Ugwuanyi

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