Stakeholders in the North Central zone have raised concern over the non-completion of the Jos Inland Container Depot 19 years after its inauguration.
The stakeholders expressed worry that the non-completion of the JICD had denied the state and neighbouring regions the benefits of a functional inland container depot, including job creation and economic growth.
The PUNCH reports that the JICD, located in Heipang, Jos, Plateau State, was initially designed to enhance export cargo consolidation, decongest seaports, and stimulate economic growth in the region.
However, the project has been plagued by delays and setbacks, including a 2014 demolition by the then-governor Jonah Jang’s administration and the subsequent buyout of the concessionaire, Duncan Maritime Ventures, by the Plateau State Government in 2021 for N2.2 billion.
Despite this, the project remains incomplete.
Speaking on Wednesday during an interactive session organised in Jos by the North Central Coordinating Office of the Nigerian Shippers Council, some stakeholders lamented the situation expressing regrets over the setback that had befallen the project in the last 19 years
A stakeholder and Managing Director of Plateau Investment and Property Development Company, Mr Danlami Jelka, as well as the representative of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria urged the Federal Government to ensure rail connectivity to the Heipang Inland Dry Port to facilitate the transportation of agricultural products
Jelka said, “This project is one that started for more than 19 years ago. Till now, it is not up to 40 percent completion.
“This is giving us a serious cause for concern because the state and it’s people are not reaping the benefits. We are aware that this dry port functions well when there is a rail connection. As a matter of fact, the rail connection that comes to Jos has been moribund for quite a long time.
“We need help in this area as well. So, we hope that something will be done this time around.”
Another stakeholder and business owner from Bokkos, Makwil Benard, lamented that local farmers had suffered enormous loses due to the non functionality of the dry port.
“What the farmers who produce in large quantity are losing can only be imagined because they do not have the means to transport to transport them where they are mostly needed some of these produce are sold at give away prizes because you keep perishable produce at your own risk. I think the dry port will solve this challenge when it becomes operational,” Benard stated
