Abia State on Track to Becoming South-East’s Trade Powerhouse with Revived Inland Dry Port Project

Abia State is gearing up for a major economic transformation as the long-anticipated Isiala Ngwa Inland Dry Port (IDP) project gains renewed momentum. Initially gazetted in 2006, the project is finally coming back to life, thanks to a fresh push from the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC)—and it could soon place Abia at the center of regional trade in Nigeria's South-East.

During a recent courtesy visit to Governor Alex Otti, OFR, the Executive Secretary and CEO of the NSC, Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to revitalizing the dry port as part of its broader strategy to decentralize maritime operations and extend logistics infrastructure to inland areas.

Dr. Pius praised the governor for his unwavering support, noting that the dry port once operationally has the potential to unlock immense economic value, not just for Abia but for the entire region. He highlighted the importance of strong collaboration between the state government and project concessionaires to bring the vision to life.

Governor Otti, in turn, welcomed the Council’s team and expressed his eagerness to see the port begin operations. He emphasized that for the Inland Dry Port to be truly effective, there must be a functional rail link connecting the seaports to the inland facility a move that would reduce logistics costs and boost the competitiveness of local businesses.
The NSC assured the state of its full technical and regulatory backing, pledging to make the IDP a flagship infrastructure project that could redefine trade dynamics in Nigeria’s South-East.

With all hands on deck, Abia’s dry port dream might soon become a powerful symbol of progress and regional economic integration.

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