The Nigerian Shippers’ Council says cargo activities at the Kaduna Inland Dry Port have improved, with monthly throughput rising from 200 to 800 containers. Danjuma Buba, deputy director at the NSC Kaduna port office, said this in an interview on Monday in Kaduna.
He attributed the growth to improved coordination with the Kaduna state government and the removal of operational bottlenecks.
Buba said a major challenge to the port’s performance was the delays and interceptions of trucks carrying containers to and from the dry port, but timely intervention accelerated truck access to deliver and evacuate containers within a specific period.
He noted that the improved access had encouraged more businesses and residents to patronise the port, adding that throughput had exceeded 800 containers as of November, boosting trade and industrial activities in Kaduna and neighbouring towns.
He said the state government has demonstrated commitment to the port by investing in the construction of an access road, showing its stake in the facility’s sustainability and growth.
Mr Buba said increased cargo movement had improved revenue generation for both the state and the federal government through customs duties and other charges, while also expanding business opportunities and purchasing power within the community.
He urged residents and business owners in Kaduna to fully utilise the port for both imports and exports, stressing that the inland dry port was created primarily to serve their interests.
Mr Buba said the state has abundant exportable commodities, such as ginger, sesame seeds, and beans, and encouraged exporters to take advantage of the competitive tariffs and port incentives.
He also called on the state government to complete the second lane of the access road to further ease movement and sustain the growth of port activities.
Similarly, Razak Salami, port manager at KIDP, said the facility had recorded remarkable growth in cargo throughput, attributing it to support from the NSC and collaboration with agencies such as the customs, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, NAFDAC, and others.
(NAN)