Anambra attracts N 5.5b for Bonding Container Terminal

…To  constructs rail line

Anambra State government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bonded Container Limited, for the construction Bonded Container Terminal in the state.

The Terminal which would cost a total of N 5,521,500,000.00, would occupy 13 hecters of land at the industrial area of Ozubulu, in Ekwusigo local government Area of the state.

Speaking during the signing, the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, said the state government would compliment the project by establishing rail line to enhance productivity and avoid damage in incessant plying on state roads by heavy trucks.

Governor Obiano disclosed that the state had finalised every arrangement to commence on the construction of the rail line with a Chinese company, as the project would soon kick off.

The Governor stressed that the terminal when completed would promote commercial activities in the state, and aid the exportation of over 1 million tubers of yam the state would soon embark on agriculture sector.

Governor Obiano noted that the terminal among other benefits would create 1000 employment opportunities, 250 direct and 750 indirect Jobs, in addition, would boost the state’s internally generated revenue.

In his address, the Chairman of Anambra State Investments Promotions and Protection agency, ANSIPPA, Igwe Cyril Enweze, revealed that the terminal would accommodate various facilities including a container examination shed, equipment maintenance workshop, lorry and container parks, control tower and tank.

Others include buildings to accommodate government agencies such as NAFDAC, NDLEA, and Nigeria Custom Services.

Igwe Enweze stated that the terminal when completed would provide commercial activities as transportation and distribution solutions, customs brokerage and compliance solutions, freight management solution, export documentation, processing, storage and packaging solutions.

Igwe Enweze said the equity contribution would be 10 percent for the state and 90 percent for the investors, as the Ministry of Road, Rail and Water Transport would monitor, supervise and ensure total compliance in meeting with the specific set standards.

“In the yearly percentage of Gross Revenue to the State, 3.5 percent of monthly gross revenue for year one to 10, and 5.5 percent of monthly gross revenue for year 11 to 20, while 7.5 percent of monthly gross revenue for year 21 to 30.” Enweze added.

The Managing Director of Bonded Container Limited, Mr Anthony  Nwabunike, said the idea of choosing Anambra was due to the think home philosophy of Governor Obiano to revamp the face of the state.

Chief Nwabunike observed that the project is very strategic as it will help address the numerous challenges which the business community in the state face in the hands of Customs officers on the federal roads and assured that they are committed to completing the project within the stipulated 10months completion period.

In a vote of thanks, the Commissioner for Road, Rail and Water Transportation, Princess Chinwe Nwebili, noted that the project is another effort of the present administration that gives credence to its commitment towards the welfare of all sections of Ndi Anambra.

Formal signing of the MoU documents by the governor and the investor formed the highpoint of the ceremony.