By Steve Agbota
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has concluded plans to expedite actions for the completion of Vehicle Transit Areas ( VTAs) across the Inland Dry Ports (IDPs) as part of efforts toward promoting non oil sector.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive NSC, Barr. Akutah Pius, disclosed this in a chat with journalists shortly after an interactive session in Aba., Abia State, said the plan is in line with promoting seamless exportation of cargoes from the dry ports or hinterland to the seaports.
He said Vehicle Transit Areas (VTA) is a public rest area located off the highway, designed to provide temporary rest location for truck drivers and other service providers within a designated community.
According to him, the facilities in a VTA include Gas Station, Motel, Restaurant, Mechanic Workshop, Fire Station, Police Post, Automated Cargo Tracking System, Banks etc.
The NSC boss who was on a familiarization visit also said that the Council has commenced facilitating the development of Vehicle Transit Areas ( VTAs), which will add value to export business, particularly the movement of export products.
Akutah said that the Federal Government has also given marching order for the port economic regulator to expedite action on the completion of dry port projects at designated locations across the country.
He assured the trading public that the council is determined to promote made in Nigeria products.
He added that the importance of Aba in exportation of leathers and other allied products cannot not be overlooked in the country, adding that the Federal Government is committed to promoting exports.
He affirmed the Council’s readiness to support traders and shippers in Aba for their participation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
While at Isiala Ngwa inland dry port, Akutah stressed the renewed commitment to the development of the project and promised to follow up with the Abia state government for the project development.
The NSC boss also led the management team to the facility tour of the on going office project.