Jos dry port’ll employ over 1, 000 youths, says Shippers’ Council

The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Mr Hassan Bello, has said that the Jos Dry Port was targeted at employing over 1,000 Nigerians, which would boost the economy of Plateau State and the North Central when completed.

He made the disclosure on Wednesday in Jos when he paid a courtesy call on Governor Simon Lalong.

According to him, the dry port, also known as Inland Container Deport (ICD), would be to international level with all the facilities of a standard port.

He said that Nigeria was going through a difficult phase that needed a very important decision to revitalise her economy, pointing out that the port would contribute significantly.

Bello explained that the port would directly employ 1,000 persons, while 2,000 would engaged indirectly.

“The port has the status of Port Harcourt and it is unique in that it can be accessed by road, rail and is near an airport.

“It would be made an export- free zone and that means that products can be exported from Jos. There would be a custom office at the port and excise duty will be paid here in Jos,” he said.

He commended the state government for promptly addressing some of the issues that inhibited the completion of ICD that during former President Olusegun Obasanjo tenure.

He charged Duncan Nigerian Limited, the concessionaire to step up efforts to complete the depot.

Meanwhile, Lalong has directed all the stakeholders responsible to step up efforts because of the obvious benefits.

“I have seen the advantages and I want to assure you that we’ll give you the maximum support to succeed,” he said.

Lalong said that he had met with Minister of Transport, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, to lend his support for the project.