Comptroller Yola Mustapha Hashim, Customs Area Controller of Kaduna Command has lauded the management of the Kaduna Inland Dry Port(KIDP) for what he called adequate preparedness to facilitate import and export in and out of Nigeria.Hashim who said this during his maiden visit to the port, described the cargo handling cranes, examination bay, access to rail and adequate space for operation as essential features at the dry port facility.
While he assured the management of KIDP of Customs support and cooperation at all times, the area controller promised seamless and cordial relationship with all members of the business community. Rotimi Raimi-Hassan, General Manager of the dry port told the visiting Controller that KIDP is number one dry port in West Africa and first of its kind in Nigeria.
According to Raimi-Hassan, the KIDP which was commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2018 has been consistent in adding value to the nation’s economy and improving business in Kaduna State and environs.
He said KIDP is to pilot the Domestic Export Warehouse (DEW) Centre initiative being facilitated by Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). He said the KIDP is equipped with modern laboratory to check the quality of exports that would be processed through the dry port.
On storage and durability of perishable goods, Raimi-Hassan said a cold room with capacity for 50 tons of cargo has been put in place that could serve as a reefer point to keep export cargoes preserved at the required temperature to meet market demands. He reaffirmed that the new trucks had been purchased to convey examined and completed documentation with customs and other agencies of sealed container export goods to Lagos/Onne seaport to on board sailing vessel.
The warehouse, according to him, has 4,000 square metres to do aggregation, consolidation and complete packaging of all types of export within the KIDP facility.
Raimi-Hassan took the Customs Controller through the KIDP expanse trailers park, rail sidling in the terminal, weighing bridge area, laboratory, cold-room and other supporting structures.