The Plateau State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Duncan Maritime Ventures Nigeria Limited, signifying the official take over of the Jos Inland Container Deport (ICD) from Duncan Maritime Ventures Nigeria Limited to the Plateau State Government.


Following the signing of this MoU, the Plateau State Government is expected to pay the sum of N2.2billion to Duncan Maritime Ventures Nigeria Limited as consideration in other to take ownership of ICD which is situated at Heipang, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.


While signing the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two parties on Wednesday at Old Government House Rayfield, Secretary to the Government of Plateau State, SGS, Professor Danladi Atu revealed that a feasibility study was conducted in 2002 to assess the viability of locating Inland Container Port in the six (6) geopolitical zones.



According to Atu; "after the feasibility studies, Jos Inland Container Deport Heipang was chosen because of the positive net present value it has as compared to other states within the same geopolitical zone.


"Messrs Duncan Maritime Ventures Nigeria Limited won the battle bid on the basis of a PPP arrangement any specifically on Build Own Operate and transfer (BOOT) arrangement, the arrangement was signed on 16th may, 2006", he mentioned. 


The SGS further explain that Duncan Maritime Ventures Nigeria Limited informed Nigerian Shippers Council of its interest to divest totally from the Inland Container Port.


He said" because of the economic benefit that the Inland Container Port possesses, the state Government approached Nigerian Shippers Council and expressed it's desire to acquire the right of Duncan Maritime Ventures Nigeria Limited in the ICD.


"This led to several meetings and the conclusion which we are witnessing today.


"It was agreed that the total consideration of N2.2billion be paid to Duncan Maritime Ventures Nigeria Limited, this the state Government is paying and it forms part of Government equity to a future partners in the ICD", said Atu.


The Managing director of Duncan Maritime Ventures Nigeria Limited, Godfrey Bawa who spoke through  mr.Mainasara Illo said it has been a very long time for them at Duncan when the study was started since 2002.


"We went through the processes by 2006 and we won the deal of Inland Container Port and we develop the port. The peculiar position of Jos Port make it one of the best in Nigeria. It is the only cargo that is located next to an airport.


"It is a possibility that when this port is confirmed as an international cargo it will provide massive employment opportunity to teeming youths on the Plateau and Nigeria as a whole.


"We hope that all agreement reached upon will be a win-win situation", noted.


Zonal coordinator of Nigeria Shippers Council, North-central region, Mrs. Efy Okolie said the multiplier effects of the Inland Container Port project in Plateau State cannot be over emphasise.


She called on the young people to venture into transportation and logistics as there is an existing opportunity in the sector, appealing to Government to include same in the higher education curriculum.