The Nigerian Suppers Council has urged importers and exporters to leverage the opportunities provided by the Funtua Inland Dry Port to bolster socio-economic activities.

Pius Akutah, the council’s executive secretary, made the call on Monday in Funtua as the port received its first cargo.

He expressed the council’s excitement for the successful commencement of operations at the port.

Mr Akutah, therefore, called on youths in the area to stop being idle and venture into small and medium-scale businesses provided by the dry port.

The customs comptroller in Katsina, Idris Abba-Aji, expressed satisfaction on the arrangement at the port for its smooth operation.

Mr Abba-Aji also called on merchants to always follow the rules and due process for the smoothest and fastest port operation.

The port’s managing director, Ahmed Ibrahim-Dodo, called on importers and exporters to feel free to come to Funtua for services.

Umar Mutallab, the port’s chairman, thanked the council for its commitment to ensuring its successful takeoff.

Mr Mutallab said the port expected another eight sets of containers in the next few weeks.

“We promised to make this place a hub for exports; we have gone to market this place in Niger and Chad Republics.

“We have even signed a memorandum of understanding that all their imports and exports will come through Funtua,” he said.

(NAN)