By Abubakar H. Muhammad (9News Nigeria, Northeast)
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum has met with the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in Lagos on Tuesday to explore ways for producers to tap into the value chain and expand export capabilities.
Zulum was received by NPA Managing Director Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho and Executive Director Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar during the meeting.
The engagement forms part of the Zulum administration’s push since 2019 to diversify Borno’s economy and create an environment for business and investment.
Last year, the governor held a similar meeting with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), where he advocated for the fast-tracking of the Maiduguri Dry Inland Port.
The facility is designed to bring port services closer to the Northeast, reduce costs, and decongest ports.
According to Zulum, once operational, the dry port will create jobs, generate revenue, and boost activity across the region.
The governor also said his administration is working to fully establish the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in Banki, a border town neighbouring the Republic of Cameroon.
He noted that the process is already at an advanced stage.
Zulum stated that the combination of the Maiduguri Dry Inland Port and the Free Trade Zone in Banki would form part of a strategy to industrialise Borno, create jobs and revenue, and shift the state’s economy away from reliance on federal allocations.
