The Federal Government approved of Kogi State to operate a domestic export warehouse (dry port) at Felele in Lokoja, the state capital.
This was disclosed by the State Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Gabriel Yunusa Olofu during an on-the-spot assessment tour to ascertain the level of work done on the construction site of the ‘Domestic Exports Warehouse.’
The Commissioner said the Yahaya Bello led administration will continue to create enabling environment to woo- investors and to make their businesses succeed in the state.
He lauded the Federal government under the leadership of President Mohammad Buhari for making Kogi State one of the Five States approved for the establishment of the multi-million naira gigantic project which he described as a mini-port emphasizing that goods would be examined to meet up with international standards before it is exported out of the country.
He equally commended the HARRIS LOGISTICS SERVICES LIMITED and the Nigeria Port Authority for their cooperation to make the facility a hub of commercial activities and promised to support in the aspect of finance and logistics.
“With the fluctuation of revenue from the oil sector in recent time, diversification of our economy into agriculture and solid mineral development is necessary. I believe this project would create both direct and indirect employment for our youths in Kogi State,” he said.
In his welcome address, the Chief Executive Officer of Harris Logistics Services Limited Mr . Femi Emmanuel said the establishment of the DOMESTIC EXPORTS WAREHOUSE in Lokoja would create a smooth process for exporting goods out of the nation.
He also assured that that facility is well-positioned to serve the people of the North Central Zone and other businessmen across the country.
Similarly, the Managing Director of the company and a one time Aspirant for the Western Senatorial Seat, Alhaji Tajudeen Bismillahi applauded President Muhammad Buhari, Minister of Trade and investment, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, and the MD of the Exports Promotion Council, Mr.Segun Awolowo for introducing the laudable scheme which is geared towards economic diversification, revenue generation as well as employment creation.
His words ”I acknowledged the transparent manner in which the selection team from Exports Expansion Facility Programme (EEFP) carried out the selection process and found Harris Logistics Services Limited suitable among the five companies considered out of over three hundred companies which applied for the privilege, no doubt, the project would add value to Kogi State and the neighboring states in diverse ways. It will create a faster way to transport their goods out of the country, it will lead to the decongestion of seaports in the country, it will create employment opportunities and of course, revenue generation.”
Alhaji Bismillah also expressed appreciation to Governor Yahaya Bello for his deep interest in the aspect of security which has made Kogi safe heaven for investors.
The representatives of Nigeria Customs services, Mr. Jangbaoi M.E, Nigeria Exports Promotion Council, Mr.Afolabi Bello, Nigeria Port Authority, Mrs. Funke Ilori, Nigeria Shippers Council, Mr. Edwin Ignatius, and the Nigeria Agricultural Quaratine Services, Mr. Edachaba Ebenezer promised to do their jobs diligently to make the project a huge success.
