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The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has spotlighted Nigeria’s North Central region as the nation’s next frontier for non-oil export growth, citing its agricultural abundance, mineral wealth, and strategic location as unmatched assets for national economic diversification.
Speaking in Jos, Plateau State, while commissioning the Senator George Akume 250-Seater Conference Centre at the North Central Zonal Office of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), the SGF said the region possesses the capacity to drive Nigeria’s non-oil export ambition if backed by sustained investment in logistics and trade infrastructure.
“With improved logistics infrastructure, this region can become a key driver of Nigeria’s diversification agenda,” Akume stated.
He commended the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for their “vision and commitment” in strengthening Nigeria’s maritime and logistics landscape, describing the new edifice as “a statement of purpose and a reflection of renewed energy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership.”
“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,” he said.
The SGF noted that infrastructure remains the bedrock of economic transformation worldwide. “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 said.
Akume reaffirmed that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government is prioritising transport and trade infrastructure to enhance national connectivity and competitiveness.
“We are building an economy that thrives on connectivity,” he said. “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 praised the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, under the leadership of its Executive Secretary, Barrister Pius Akuta, for effectively serving as the Port Economic Regulator and for bridging the gap between seaports and the hinterlands through the development of Inland Dry Ports and zonal coordination offices.
According to him, the newly inaugurated conference centre will serve as a hub for stakeholder dialogue, policy exchange, and capacity building, helping to consolidate Nigeria’s maritime and logistics development.
The SGF further called for sustained collaboration among government, private sector players, and development partners to build on the progress made.
“Government cannot achieve this vision alone,” Akume stressed. “Let us view infrastructure not merely as government projects, but as national assets that require protection, maintenance, and innovation.”
