Nigeria as a sovereign independent nation with a land mass size of about 927,763 square kilometres which the northern part is having the largest portion with over 65 percent of the total area.
In recent times, this land mass has produced more security concern to the nation than its agricultural advantages as it was in the past.
We have seen constant threat of life in some states by the armed bandits and constant fear by interested business investors with interest in the region. Also, concern of weak human development with 13.2 million out of school children in Nigeria with majority in the north. Poverty has become a constant disease with no immediate permanent cure in sight
A rich agricultural region with its own unique comparative advantage, e.g. soya beans cultivated in Kastina state, ginger in Kaduna, Bambara nut widely cultivated in Jigawa state and Sesame seeds predominantly dominated in Nasarawa state. Each state is capable of being the hub of particular agro product trading it internationally.
In a recent courtesy visit to the Kaduna dry inland port by Mr Fisayo Ajibona an international trade manager at cokodeal Limited; a foodstuff and agro commodities export platform. He emphasized more, on the gain of the dry port commissioned by the president Mohammadu Buhari on 10th march 2018, with full operation in 2019.
He emphasized that he witnessed goods loading and freight forwarders operation being carried out, as cargo Containers are being constantly sighted loading on train ready to be move to Apapa port for further shipment of the consignment to their foreign destinations. With presence of custom officers to provide necessary documentation for goods. This has cut down the logistic costs for any potential exporter and interstate traders, advices traders from the region to key into government incentives and infrastructural development for economic growth.
The opportunity that abound in the Kaduna dry inland port will drive the economic growth of the host region, thereby improve massive job creation, if effectively operated, it has potential to help government achieve part of its aim of diversification programme and to encourage northerner to tap into these great initiatives.
Fisayo A. – 08139078455
fisayoajibona@gmail.com
As featured on Daily Times Newspaper.
