Borno’s Inland Dry Port to Boost Economy, Begin Operations in Six Months

Borno’s Inland Dry Port to Boost Economy, Begin Operations in Six Months

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, announced that the Maiduguri dry inland port will commence operations in six months. Speaking on Wednesday in Lagos after meeting with Pius Akutah, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Zulum emphasized the economic benefits the port will bring to Borno State.

The Governor highlighted that the port would create significant job opportunities for the youth and strengthen the state’s economy. He noted, “The establishment of this inland dry port in Maiduguri will generate employment and enhance our state’s economy. It will also facilitate trans-border trade with our neighboring countries—Niger, Chad, and Cameroon—leading to improved economic ties and national growth.”

Zulum also expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, pointing to the diversification efforts beyond the oil sector and the Federal Government’s ongoing work to rehabilitate rail lines and roads. “Even without rail, our road infrastructure can support the port’s operations, but improving the road network will expedite the project’s success,” he added.

Pius Akutah, the Executive Secretary of the NSC, supported the Governor’s statements, emphasizing the strategic importance of the port in boosting trans-border trade under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). Akutah praised Governor Zulum’s commitment to the project and urged swift collaboration between public and private sectors to ensure timely completion.