By Lubem Gena
The Benue State Government has intensified efforts to position the state as a major shipping and commercial hub in Nigeria’s North Central region, following a strategic meeting between the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and key players in the maritime sector.
The efforts were intensifies on Tuesday when the Honourable Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Denis Ter Iyaghigba received a delegation of critical stakeholders comprising the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), the Benue Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BECCI), and the Benue Shippers Association.
The delegation was led by the NSC Zonal Director, Dr. Jeremiah Okoliko.
The high-level engagement focused on fostering stronger cooperation to accelerate activities that will enhance trade facilitation, improve logistics, and open new economic frontiers for Benue State.
Central to the discussion was the shared commitment to deepen initiatives capable of boosting commercial operations not only within Benue state but across the entire North Central geo-political zone.
According to the Commissioner who was joined by his counterpart in Commerce and Industry, Hon.Alumo Orpin, the administration of Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia is keen on transforming Benue into a vibrant shipping hub by leveraging the state’s strategic location, the River Benue advantage and untapped marine economy potential.
The stakeholders explored viable pathways toward realizing this vision, emphasizing coordinated efforts, investment mobilization, and infrastructure development.
Dr. Okoliko, speaking on behalf of the delegation, commended the state government’s proactive stance and assured the NSC’s continuous support in advancing policies and projects aimed at expanding trade and maritime activities within the region.
A major highlight of the meeting was the renewed push for the establishment of a Vehicle Transit Area (VTA) and an Inland Container Depot (ICD) in the state.
Both facilities are expected to ease the movement of goods, reduce congestion at coastal ports, lower transportation costs for businesses, and enhance the competitiveness of local enterprises engaging in national and international trade.
The proposed ICD, in particular, is projected to serve as a critical logistics platform for containerized cargo, enabling exporters, importers, and manufacturers in Benue and neighbouring states to handle shipments more efficiently.
In his contribution, Mr. Aiir Yenge,the President of the BECCI noted that these facilities would also stimulate job creation, boost revenue, and attract private sector investment.
The Honourable Commissioner reaffirmed the ministry’s readiness to work closely with relevant agencies and business groups to fast-track the initiatives.
He described the meeting as a significant step toward unlocking the economic opportunities embedded in the marine and blue economy sector.
The meeting ended with a mutual commitment to set actionable frameworks that will drive sustainable development and strengthen Benue’s emerging role in Nigeria’s evolving blue economy landscape.
