Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The Benue Shippers Association paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC, at its Liaison Office in Abuja.
The visit was aimed towards seeking stronger collaboration and practical solutions to the challenges faced by shippers in the state.
Receiving the delegation, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the NSC, Dr. Pius Akutah, warmly welcomed the team and expressed genuine delight at their visit.
He explained that every NSC office across the country exists to serve shippers, and assured them that with the new site allocated for the NSC Makurdi Area Office, space would be created for the Association to have an office of their own.
Dr. Akutah emphasized that the Council remains committed to protecting the interests of shippers.
He acknowledged that only three Inland Dry Ports, IDPs, are fully operational so far but stressed that Benue’s IDP project is important. He revealed that the NSC has already written to the state government and is even willing to support plans for a river port in Makurdi.
According to him, the Council is ready to partner with the government to see these ideas come to life.
On sensitization, he noted that the NSC is eager to train both established and upcoming shippers, particularly on the Cargo Defence Fund and also plans to set up Border Information Centres to support smoother trade.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Director, Consumer Affairs Department, Mrs. Ify Okolue, assured the delegation that the NSC would step up sensitization and capacity-building efforts for shippers in the state.
The Director of Human Resources Management Department, Mr. Mustapha Zubairu, encouraged the Association to continue advocating strongly for the Benue IDP, noting that their voice is important in pushing the project forward.
Also contributing, the Director of the North-Central Zonal Coordinating Office, Dr. Jeremiah Okoliko, said stakeholders in the region are already showing interest and willingness to support the development of an IDP in Benue.
Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation, Dr. Mhir Aii Iyenge, shared the challenges facing shippers in Benue such as urgent need for Inland Dry Port to support farmers, traders, and even neighbouring states like Taraba and Adamawa and the Association’s lack of office. He called on the Council to help enlighten their members on NSC’s programmes and opportunities.
The visit ended on a hopeful note, as both parties expressed commitment to improving shipping services, strengthening trade, and opening new opportunities for businesses across Benue State.
