FG plans rail, road link for Jos dry port

To ensure the smooth take-off of the Jos Inland Container Depot (ICD) otherwise known as a dry port, the Federal Government has announced plans to establish a direct rail link and dual carriageway network from the airport and Jos town to the facility.

To this end, a Federal Government delegation comprising the Transportation Minister, Chibuike Amaechi, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Hassan Bello, and other top officials of the ministry visited the Jos ICD in Heipang, Plateau State, at the weekend to see the extent of work on site.

They were conducted round the facility by Governor Simon Lalong, who pledged to ensure that the momentum of work is sustained till completion.

In his remarks after the tour, Amaechi described dry ports as priority projects because of their employment content.

“The Jos dry port will create about 250 direct jobs and 600 indirect jobs, in the first phase. The location of the Jos dry port is good because it is near the Jos Airport and a rail station. So, the connection by railroad and air makes it ideal for multi-modal access.

“I want the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) to meet with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to create a road linking the airport to the dry port. The NSC should work with the operators of the dry port and submit to the ministry the technical specifications of the rail coming into the ports with the financial implication. We’ll discuss with General Electric on the way forward.

“I urge the Plateau State Government to, please, fence the project, build additional access roads and contribute its equity, which is 20 per cent,” Amaechi said.

“This Jos dry port will serve Jos and its environs when operational. They don’t have to come to Lagos or Port Harcourt to clear their cargo. It comes straight to this facility using road, rail or air. It also has multiplier effects. Jobs are created; revenue is generated for the government and stakeholders. It’ll open up this zone because the hassles in port business will be eliminated.
“Indeed, I’m impressed by the Plateau State government’s enthusiasm. They’re talking about fencing the dry port, which is vital. The NSC as a promoter will have a consultant on site because each dry port must conform to its master plan and that is what our consultant will ensure,” he said.