"NEED FOR THE IBADAN DRY PORT TO COMMENCE OPERATION TO SAVE IT FROM GOING MORIBUND"

Our distinguished honourable Taiwo Michael Akintola MHR representing Egbeda/Ona Ara Federal Constituency of Oyo State today the 2nd day of March 2016, on the floor of the House of Representatives moved a motion passed by the House on "NEED FOR THE IBADAN DRY PORT TO COMMENCE OPERATION TO SAVE IT FROM GOING MORIBUND".
The House:
Notes that in 2006, the Federal Government approved the setting up of five Inland Container Depots (ICDs) and three Container Freight Stations (CFS) and while the ICDs were located in Oyo, Abia, Plateau, Bauchi and Kano States, the three Container Freight Stations were sited in Katsina, Borno and Gombe States;
Also notes that the Oyo State Government, with 35% stake in Catamaran Logistics Limited, the concessionaires of Ibadan Dry Port, had earlier sought and obtained approval for redesignation of the ICD status in Ibadan to Inland Dry Port (IDP);
Aware that the IDP as against ICD, has status of Port of origin and destination, so that it can serve consigned cargoes;
Also aware that commencement of operations by Ibadan Dry Port would boost the revenue of surrounding States attract Investors, improve economic activities of the people and create employment for the Youth;
Worried that despite the heavy financial Investment in the Project since 2006 and completion of all Infrastructure since 2014 for its takeoff, the Project is still not operational;
Also worried that the Infrastructure in place, like roads, Office Buildings and Equipment are either deteriorating or liable to vandalization, if the Project is allowed to remain idle;
RESOLVES TO:
1. Mandate the Committees on Ports, Harbours and Waterways, and Industry to liaise with Officials of the Ministries of Commerce and Industry with a view to determine the current status of the Project and facilitate its commencement of operations and report to the House within four weeks; and
2. Urge the Inspector General of Police to, in the interim, provide adequate security for the Buildings and other Infrastructure in the Ibadan Dry Port, Erunmu, Egbeda Locyal Government Area of Oyo State to prevent their vandalization pending its Inauguration.