The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Hassan Bello, says the Kaduna Inland Dry Port is set to be commissioned at any time soon.

Mr Bello said this while addressing stakeholders on Wednesday, shortly after inspecting facilities at the port in Kaduna State, the first of its kind in Nigeria.

He said the NSC was already engaging the Federal Government to formally commission the dry port on time, even as skeletal services have since commenced in the area.

The Executive Secretary, however vowed that upon the commissioning of the port, activities of those involved in sharp practices, otherwise known as Warf Rats at sea ports would not be tolerated at the port.

He expressed optimism that vehicular and human congestion would not be seen at the dry port, saying it would be well controlled.

“We are committed to making the port a modern port and in compliance with international standard to ensure proper regulations.

“We will also ensure that appropriate cargo clearance equipment will be deployed, while human and vehicular traffic within the port will be avoided as much as possible.”

Bello added that with the dry port, there would be beehives of economic activities in Kaduna State, noting that the port would become a role model for other states to emulate any time soon.

He commended the State Governor, Mr Nasir El-Rufai, for ensuring security and enabling environment for the port, stressing that it would generate at least 5,000 employment opportunities when it is commissioned.

The NSC boss added that as soon as the dry port takes off effectively, it would stimulate the economy and reduce stress of business transactions across Nigeria, particularly at the sea ports.

He urged resident of the state to utilise the port effectively to further boost their business prospects, noting that the dry port would serve both import and export purposes. (Channels TV)