Alh. (Dr.) Umaru Mutallab, FCA, CON
Chairman
From the Chairman Funtua Inland Dry Port
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the Funtua Inland Dry Port (FIDP), a Port of Origin and Final Destination of cargo, in Funtua, Katsina State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The completion of the FIDP project is a dream come true not just for me, but for many other patriotic Nigerians who, over the last couple of decades, contributed enormously to seeing to the realization of the FIDP project. Among them include Dr Kingsley Usoh, Capt. Adamu Biu (late) and Late President Umaru Yar’adua. Others include Dr. Samuel Sekibo, Mr. Emmanuel Jime, Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, and Hon. Mu’azu Jaji Sambo. Their courageous efforts and commitments to the success of the FIPD project can never be forgotten.
Over the years, importers and exporters, including factories, in the Northern parts of Nigeria have faced numerous challenges in clearing and transporting their goods to and from the seaports in Lagos and Port Harcourt due to the distance, congestion and overbearing procedures. This has contributed greatly to the everlasting economic stagnation in the region. The FIDP provides a cheaper, proximate and convenient alternative for clearing, consolidation and stuffing of goods for imports and exports.
The FIDP is intended to serve importers and exporters in Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kaduna and Niger States, including the FCT and the neighbouring landlocked countries of Niger, Burkina Faso and Chad. It is designed to be a launchpad for the industrial revolution of the Agrarian Northwest States, serving many agro-allied industries that process cotton, ginger, groundnut, soya beans, sesame seed, hides and skin, Gum Arabic, etc. It will also serve as the vehicle for imports of new plants and machinery, spare parts and several other items that are used in the production process.
Finally, I call on all importers, exporters, freight forwarders and other service providers in the shipping and maritime industry, to take full advantage of the benefits that the FIDP offers.
Thank you and may God bless!