Stakeholders in the North Central region have expressed deep concerns over the non-completion of the Jos Inland Container Depot 19 years after it was initiated.

The JICD, located in Heipang, Jos, Plateau State, was envisioned as a major economic catalyst — aimed at facilitating export cargo consolidation, decongesting the nation’s seaports, and driving regional economic growth.

However, years of stagnation have left the N2.2bn project largely unrealised.

The project, originally flagged off in 2006, has faced numerous setbacks, including its demolition in 2014 by the administration of then-Governor Jonah Jang and a buyout of the original concessionaire, Duncan Maritime Ventures, by the Plateau State Government in 2021.

Despite these interventions, the project remains incomplete.

During an interactive session in Jos on Wednesday, hosted by the North Central Coordinating Office of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, stakeholders lamented the stalled progress, calling for renewed urgency from the government.

“This project started over 19 years ago, and yet it is not up to 40 percent completed,” said Mr. Danlami Jelka, Managing Director of Plateau Investment and Property Development Company.

“This is giving us serious concern because the state and its people are not reaping the benefits. We know that this dry port functions well only with a working rail connection — which has been moribund for a long time. We need help in this area.”

A representative of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria echoed the need for federal support, particularly in linking the port to functional rail networks to aid the movement of agricultural goods.

Local business owner from Bokkos, Mr. Makwil Benard, decried the losses faced by farmers due to the delay.

“What farmers who produce in large quantities are losing can only be imagined,” Benard said. “Without proper transportation, they sell perishable goods at giveaway prices or risk spoilage. I think the dry port will solve this challenge once it becomes operational.”

Responding to the concerns, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, assured stakeholders that the JICD would soon be operational.

He said the council was working closely with the Plateau State Government to attract a credible investor capable of completing the project.

“We have visited the site and are working tirelessly. What we need now is an investor with financial strength to bridge the gap and drive the process,” Akutah said.

“The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy has made it clear that only investors with proven capacity, funding, and seriousness will be considered. We must avoid investors who lack the resources for a capital-intensive project like this.”

He emphasised the NSC’s commitment to developing inland dry ports nationwide, while also encouraging Plateau-based business owners to make full use of the North Central Zonal Office to grow trade and investment.

“I wish to enjoin all industry stakeholders within Plateau State and the North Central Zone to ensure optimal utilisation of our services to benefit from shipping and logistics opportunities,” he added.

Plateau State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Salihu Mohammed, also reaffirmed the state government’s determination to operationalise the port.

He revealed that discussions were ongoing with new investors interested in partnering on the project.

“We cannot afford to let the Jos Inland Dry Port remain non-functional while others across the country are operational,” said Mr. Jeremiah Okoliko, NSC Coordinator for the North Central Zone.



https://punchng.com/ncentral-stakeholders-slam-jos-dry-port-19-year-delay/