Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has announced that the Maiduguri dry inland port is scheduled to commence operations within the next six months. This declaration was made during his visit to the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Pius Akutah, in Lagos, where Governor Zulum emphasized the economic benefits the port would bring to the region.
Governor Zulum stressed that the establishment of the inland dry port in Maiduguri is expected to create employment opportunities, particularly for the youth, thereby mitigating issues related to unemployment.
He highlighted the strategic significance of the port, emphasizing its potential to enhance trans-border trade, given Borno State's proximity to Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.
Pius Akutah, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, echoed Governor Zulum's sentiments, emphasizing the positive impact the Maiduguri Dry Inland Port would have on trans-border trade, especially in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
The proposed establishment of the Maiduguri Dry Inland Port is perceived as an essential infrastructure development that is expected to not only spur economic growth in Borno State but also foster improved trade relations with neighboring countries.