Plans are underway
to facilitate seamless transit cargo movements from Nigeria’s dry ports to the Republic of Chad.
The Secretary General Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), Dr Paul Adalikwu disclosed this
in ND’jamena, the Chadian capital during his first working visit to Chadian Minister of Transportation, Hajia Fatima Goukouni Weddeye.
Dr Adalikwu during his visitation, promised to support Chad’s Ministry of Transportation and the Shippers’ Council for the facilitation of transit transport of Chad destined cargoes.
He also promised to make arrangement for Chadian government officials to visit the proximate dry ports in northern Nigeria.
This, according to him, will prepare the ground for the promotion of intra African trade which he said is in line with the focus of African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCTA).
The MOWCA SG also reiterated that all 25 member countries of the organisation, including landlocked states will enjoy technical support to uncover and harness the economic benefits of a thriving blue economy.
Responding,Hajia Weddeye, described the SG as a dynamic leader who has shown transformational traits within a short period whilst she lauded Dr Adalikwu for championing when called a reawakening in MOWCA.
She further said Chadian Ministry of Transportation and the country’s shippers council will deepen collaboration with MOWCA.
Although, she was quick to request that, Adalikwu enable the visit of the technical staff of the Ministry to the dry ports established in northern part of Nigeria.
She described the upcoming Regional Maritime Development Bank as a laudable initiative of MOWCA and maintained it will fill the gap of sustainable funding of transport activities which she said, are the backbone of foreign trade.
The minister also said her ministry’s technical team,will study the bank’s charter after which, an informed decision will be taken by the country to endorse the bank.
Meanwhile,On capacity building,Weddeye expressed joy over the existence of training institutions under the umbrella of MOWCA though,requested to have more details on the curriculum for prospective students from Chad to benefit.
Both parties have however pledged to work frantically to strengthen ties and deepen cooperation.