NAN-H-73
Depot
By Deborah Ogedemgbe
Benin, May 4, 2017 (NAN) Ewuare II n’ogidigan, the Oba of Benin, has called on Nigeria Shippers Council and Atlantique Marine Engineering Services promoters of Inland Container Deport (ICD) in Edo, to ensure early completion of the project.
Ewuare II made the call when Executive Secretary of the council, Mr Hassan Bello, Chief Executive Officer, Atlantique Marine Engineering Services, Mr Charles Akhigbe, visited him in Benin on Wednesday.
He said problem had always been with executing ideas within stipulated time frame.
He said the idea and vision of the promoters, the Atlantique Marine Engineering Services (AMES), to bring an Inland port was lofty and welcome.
He also said that job creation through the project would stem human trafficking as well as reduce socio-economic problems and vices in the state.
He, therefore, appealed for quick implementation of the project while also commending the initiative to establish a Truck Transit Terminal in the state.
Earlier, Hassan said it would take the promoters 18 months of work before a licence would be issued to them.
He also said the project had capacity to employ 2,500 direct staff and another 2, 500 indirect staff on completion.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the team was earlier in Government House on a courtesy visit to Gov Godwin Obaseki.
NAN also reports that during the visit, the council called for Truck Transit Terminals (TTT) across the State.
According to the Executive Secretary, providing the TTT would be of immense benefit to the state and also help curb road traffic crashes associated with truck drivers due to fatigue.
He also said it would be very beneficial to the state in view of the Inland Container Deport to be established in the state soon.
He stressed that indiscriminate parking of trucks posed great danger hence the need for government to urgently provide parks.
He explained that the port would have all the paraphernalia of a sea port but with the absence of ships.
He said the inland port was conceived in 2006 by the Federal Government as part of measures to decongest the nation’s sea ports.
He noted that the project when completed would stir and steer lots of economic activities in the state as well as boost export of agricultural commodities and enhance revenue generation.
He noted that the conception time of the project was apt as diversification of the economy was vital to the survival of the country.
The executive secretary further said the project would create industrial hub and stimulate economy development.
He, however, said that it was the responsibility of the Edo Government to provide land and basic infrastructure for the smooth take-off of the project.
He also solicited fast tracking of all title deeds for the project to avoid any encumbrances.
He requested for 50 hectares to enable the council and the ministry of transport to establish a truck transit park.
Gov. Godwin Obaseki assured of his administration’s alliance with the shippers council and the promoters of the Inland Container Deport.
He assured that his administration would provide all operational services and grant all permits and in some cases wavers on some of the charges to ensure a smooth take-off.
He promised there would be 24 hours power supply to location of the project within the next four months. (NAN)
DCO/IEA
Edited by Idahosa Asowata