SENATE SEEK INLAND PORTS IN ONITSHA, ENUGU,OTHERS

The senate yesterday urged the federal government to direct the Nigerian Shippers Council to carry out appropriate feasibility studies for the purpose of establishing inland ports in Onitsha, Enugu, and other landlocked areas in the country.

The upper chamber said the ports will accelerate commerce and industry in these strategic locations. It however mandated its committee on transport and works to ensure fill compliance with planned establishment of inland ports in the designated parts of the country.

These resolutions were sequel to the motion sponsored by senator Stella Odua[PDP/Anambra North] and endorsed by a cross section of the legislators.

In her motion entitled "Need for establishment of Dry and inland Ports at Onitsha, Enugu, and other landlocked states" Senator Odua said the development of dry ports and inland water transport in Onitsha, Aba and other landlocked areas would facilitate commercial and industrial activities in export and importation of raw materials and equipment as a major component . She noted that the existing maritime ports in Lagos, Portharcourt and Calabar were being overstretched as congestion of these ports would constitute serious security threat to lives and property, especially now that there was heightened concern at crowded places.