Abia strategically located for business – Ikpeazu

The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has said the State is strategically located for business and hence critical to the development of South East, South South and other regions of the country, thereby making the State economically viable, especially with the State strategically located at the confluence of many economically important States.
Governor Ikpeazu said this when he received in audience a delegation of Nigerian Shippers Council, East Gates and BRJ & Associates, led by the Executive Secretary of Shippers Council, Hassan Bello, at the Governor’s Lodge in Aba.
The team was there to finalize the agreement for the establishment of an inland Container Dry port at Ntigha in Isialangwa North Local Government Area of the state.
According to a release by his Chief Press Secretary, Enyinnaya Appolos, Ikpeazu said Abia State is ready to fast-tract export of locally made goods and services.
He said: “Abia is at the confluence of states within the South East and South South regions of the country, making it strategically located for business with strong economic viability.
“On our part, we will do everything to make the dream of actualizing a dry port in the state a reality..”
Earlier, Bello had assured that work will begin at the location of the dry port in Ntigha soon.
He acknowledged the efforts of Ikpeazu towards making sure the project becomes a reality.
Bello, who said that Abia Inland Cargo Dry port project is one of the first that was approved by the Federal Government, also explained that the dry port will ultimately become an export Free Trade Zone, which will enable the creation of over 3,000 direct jobs.
He commended Ikpeazu on his achievements with regards to the promotion campaign for made in Aba brands and assured that the dry port will further drive the agenda for the greater good of the region and Nigeria.
He commended the Chairman of the implementation committee, Chief Dan Nwankwo, and also thanked Hon. Darlington Nwokocha of Isiala Ngwa Federal Constituency for pushing the critically required bill in the House of Representatives.
The high point of the event was the signing of Construction, Procurement and Management agreement by the contractors, Eastgate Limited and BRJ & Associates, which was witnessed by the State Governor.
When fully operational, the port is expected to boost business transac­tions in the South East and de­congest Onne and Port Wharfs.
The proposed project, which is a 50,000 TEU (containers) port facility, will serve Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Eb­onyi, Imo, Delta and Benue States.
The port would receive containerised cargo by rail or road from Port Harcourt, Rivers State.