…refute halting Of Palletisation Policy
Barr Hassan Bello, Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers ‘ Council has explained that the issue of dry port is of paramount important to the Federal government, hence the need for it’s successful implementation.
Hassan Bello made this known while speaking about the smooth and efficient take off of the Kaduna Inland Dry Port on Thursday at a meeting with stakeholders in Lagos.
While stressing the importance of the dry port to the Federal Government, he called for cooperation and input on the part of the stakeholders to enhance it’s effectiveness.
“The issue of dry port is very very important to the Federal government and we are anxious about the successful implementation.
“This is why we are here to seek your suggestion and cooperation. At the beginning like this, there are always some teething problems but I believe with you, we will provide that synergy with critical stakeholders “,he added.
He however debunked insinuations that policies on palletisation of cargoes has been suspended, he reaffirmed that the policy has commenced since January, also that the Council spearheaded the introduction of the policy that has been on ground without implementation.
He said, “I will use this opportunity to clarify the issue of palletisation. I think there is a newspaper saying it has been suspended quoting shippers’ council but that is not true.
“The palletisation issue is already on from 1st January, therefore there is no going back on palletisation because the policy has been on ground for a long time and it was the Shippers’ Council that said we must have the buy-in of stakeholders.
“We took the concern of stakeholders to appropriate authorities and the authorities acted on the concern of the operators and try to mitigate or alleviate whatever the issues are.
“Palletisation is not suspended, there is no going back in pallettisation, ” he emphasised.
On his part, Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation,Mr. Fidet Okhiria said plans are in place to import more wagons for the rail.
Okhiria said that the cargo wagons would convey bulk of cargoes from the shippers to the dry port adding that containers destined for kaduna state will go by rails.
Also speaking at the event ,Port Manager of the Kaduna Inland Dry Port (KIDP), Mr. Rotimi Raimi urged government to link rail lines to the dry port .
Raimi said that dry port would provide mass employment for Nigerians stressing the need for the engagement of truck owners for the purpose of cargo movement to the facility.
He added that the dry port would further boost trade facilitation and increase revenue
