Shippers’ Council Appreciates Kebbi’s Economic Viability

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council has expressed satisfaction about the economic potential of Kebbi State, particularly in Dolekaina, Dandi Local Government Area, which has a vast water body suitable for shipping and fishing activities.

A delegation from the Council held a town hall consultative meeting with the Dolekaina community on Thursday to explore ways to boost economic activities benefiting both the state and the nation.

Dolekaina, is a marine community on the edge of River Niger, bordering the republics of Benin and Niger. It serves as an economic hub linking several African countries with strategic importance for trade.

Discussions at the forum focused on dredging the River Niger to facilitate the construction of a deep-water port, which would enhance marine transportation and promote international trade.

Other key issues include addressing annual flooding, improving electricity supply, providing ferries and jetties, marketing local products, and establishing rice mills with processing machines.

Dr. Kabir Kamba, Director General of the Kebbi State Investment Promotion Agency (KIPA), who invited the Shippers’ Council officials, revealed that the agency had received multiple requests from the Dolekaina District Development Association, DODDA.

In response, KIPA invited the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, the Border Community Development Commission, and N-HYPPADEC to engage with the community.

The North West Regional Head of the Shippers’ Council, Hajiya Karima Usman, highlighted her previous visit to Dandi Local Government, during which she intervened in addressing the 42 checkpoints along the Kamba-Birnin Kebbi road that were hindering trade.

Following her efforts, many of these checkpoints were dismantled, easing the movement of goods.

Dr. Kamba reaffirmed Governor Nasir Idris’ commitment to removing trade barriers and attracting investments to Kebbi.

“Dolekaina, as a sea border town, has immense economic potential. A businessman reportedly exported onions worth $40 million through its trading route,” Dr. Kamba stated.

He emphasized the importance of dredging the River Niger to establish a seaport that could enable direct international shipping to and from Europe.

Several dignitaries spoke at the consultative meeting, including the Sarkin Shiko Kamba, Alhaji Mamuda Zarumai Fana, the District Head of Dolekaina, Marafan Dolekaina, Alhaji Mamuda Muhammad Bello Marafa; Chairman of DODDA, Alhaji Sani Shekare Dole; Vice Chairman of Dandi Local Government, Hon. Bala Isa Umar; and a Member of the Kebbi State House of Assembly representing Dandi Constituency, Dr. Suleiman Abubakar Fana.

Others include Kebbi State NOA Director, Mallam Nasiru Karofi, and Ambassador Sani Dole, Magajin Dolekaina.

Dr. Fana announced that Governor Idris had approved the provision of electricity to Dolekaina and neighboring communities, alongside the construction of township roads and drainages.

He reiterated the town’s trade significance, calling for priority to be placed on developing its maritime infrastructure.

In her response, Hajiya Karima Usman praised the economic potential of Dolekaina and the success of her earlier intervention in reducing trade obstacles.

She acknowledged the community’s concerns but clarified that some issues, such as dredging and ferry provision, fall under the responsibilities of the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, and the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA.

She pledged to advocate for the establishment of an Export Free Zone in Dolekaina through the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, which would boost trade with reduced taxation.

Additionally, she mentioned that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) could address flooding concerns.

She assured the community that she would channel their demands through the Executive Secretary of the Shippers’ Council for necessary interventions.

On the establishment of rice mills and processing machines, she suggested that Kebbi State Government and the National Incubation Centre could collaborate to provide locally fabricated solutions.

Before the town hall meeting, the Shippers’ Council delegation, alongside KIPA’s DG, paid courtesy visits to the Chairman of Dandi Local Government, Dr. Mansur, at the Kamba headquarters, where they were received by Vice Chairman Hon. Bala Isa Umar.

They also visited the palaces of Sarkin Shiko Kamba, Alhaji Mamuda Zarumai Fana, and Marafan Dolekaina, Mamuda Muhammad Bello Marafa.

Concluding their visit, the delegation embarked on a tour of the maritime borders between Dolekaina, Niger Republic, and Benin Republic aboard speedboats from the Mashaya waterfront.

Credit: Yahaya Sarki
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor.