by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The vast economic potential of Nigeria’s North Central Region has been ascribed to be future hub for the country’s non-oil exports.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, noted that the region’s rich mineral deposits and strong agricultural base give it a strategic advantage in driving national economic diversification.
The SGF made the assertion, while speaking in Jos, Plateau State, as Special Guest at the commissioning of the ‘Senator George Akume’s 250-seater Conference Centre’ at the North Central Zonal Office of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).
He observed that, “With sustained improvements in logistics and transport infrastructure, the North Central Zone could play a leading role in boosting Nigeria’s non-oil export sector,” noting that, “With the improvement in logistics infrastructure, this region can become a key driver of Nigeria’s diversification agenda.”
Senator Akume commended the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for what he described as “a testament to commitment and vision” in strengthening Nigeria’s logistics and maritime system.
“This edifice is not just a building; it is a statement of vision, a testament to commitment, and a reflection of the renewed energy driving Nigeria’s Port and Logistics System, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the SGF stated.
He noted that “Across the world, economic progress is built on solid infrastructure. Efficient ports, roads, railways, and dry ports are the arteries through which the lifeblood of commerce flows.”
He further reiterated that the Federal Government, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, is prioritising investment in critical transport and trade infrastructure across all regions of the country – from the coastlines to the hinterlands – to boost connectivity and competitiveness.
“We are building an economy that thrives on connectivity. An economy where a farmer in Benue can ship produce seamlessly to Lagos Port, and an exporter in Jos can access global markets without unnecessary bottlenecks,” he said.
The SGF lauded the Shippers’ Council, ably led by its Executive Secretary, Barrister Pius Akuta, for its role as the Port Economic Regulator, promoting fairness, efficiency, and innovation in the maritime sector.
He particularly praised the Council’s effort in bridging the gap between Seaports and Inland Regions through the development of Inland Dry Ports and Zonal Coordination Offices.
According to him, the newly-commissioned Conference Centre will serve as a hub for stakeholder engagement, policy dialogue, and capacity building, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s maritime and logistics ecosystem.
The SGF also called for stronger partnerships between government, the private sector, development partners, and host communities to sustain the gains of infrastructure development.
He stressed, thus: “Government cannot achieve this vision alone. Let us view infrastructure not merely as government projects, but as national assets that require protection, maintenance, and innovation.”
Speaking also, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State commended the Nigerian Shippers’ Council for the remarkable achievement, adding that, “This state-of-the-art facility stands as a symbol of growth, vision, and commitment to service excellence.”
Represented by his Deputy, Hon. Josephine Piyo, the governor also reaffirmed the Council’s “strategic role” in promoting efficient logistics, trade facilitation, and economic development across Nigeria’s great nation.
The governor was optimistic that, “For Plateau State, the presence and activities of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council here, in Jos, signify more than administrative expansion; they represent an opportunity for enhanced trade linkages, investment attraction, and job creation.
“Plateau is blessed with vast mineral deposits, rich agricultural produce, and a vibrant population of entrepreneurs whose access to efficient logistics and export facilitation will be greatly enhanced through this Zonal Office,” he stated.
He added that, the new auditorium will not only serve as a hub for conferences, stakeholder engagements, and capacity-building programmes, but also as a center for policy dialogue and strategic collaboration between government, private sector, and development partners.
Governor Mutfwang commended the leadership of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council for situating such a critical infrastructure in Jos – a city known for peace, hospitality, and commerce.
“This decision is, indeed, a vote-of-confidence in our State’s growing reputation as a business-friendly destination under our administration’s renewed drive for economic transformation and industrial development,” he stressed.
He assured participants that the Plateau State Government will continue to collaborate closely with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and other relevant stakeholders in advancing the Federal Government’s agenda on trade facilitation, logistics modernization, and export promotion.
“We are committed to creating an enabling environment that encourages enterprise, reduces bottlenecks, and supports sustainable economic growth,” he noted.
Also speaking earlier, the Secretary/CEO Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyina, remarked that the event marks a major milestone in their collective drive to bring the activities of the Nigerians Shippers’ Council closer to the people and to strengthen the economic connectivity between their Inland Region and the nation’s Maritime gateways.
According to him, the center for the conference will include seminars, and stakeholders engagement on transport, logistics and port reform, a training hub for entrepreneurs, shippers, and regulators across the North Central Region, and a venue for collaboration and policy dialogue, fostering public-private partnership that drive economic transformation.
He said the choice of Jos was deliberate. The North Central Zone remains a critical trade corridor – rich in agricultural produce, solid minerals, and entrepreneurial potential.
The Auditorium was commissioned by the APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwada.